Automatized responding and cognitive inertia in individuals with mental retardation.

The relation between cognitive rigidity and cognitive inertia was examined. Results showed that cognitive inertia was greater in individuals with mental retardation than in CA- but not MA-matched subjects without mental retardation. For individuals with mental retardation, cognitive inertia was positively correlated with CA. Results of comparisons of MA-matched individuals with and without mental retardation were not consistent with Kounin's (1941) theory. However, the current findings provided some support for Kounin's notion that there are age-related inherent structural differences that lead to greater rigidity in older adults.