Final answer:
The Responsible stage in Warner Schaie's theory relates to middle-aged adults focusing on personal and social responsibilities. In this stage, adults manage family care, maintain careers, and contribute to the community, reflecting a shift from self-focused achievement to social contribution.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Schaie's model of cognitive development, the life span is composed of several stages, where development is seen in terms of how people use their intelligence and experience to solve real-life problems. The Responsible stage typically covers the period of middle adulthood. Individuals in this stage are often occupied with personal and social responsibilities, which include being accountable for the care and well-being of others - primarily their spouses, children, and aging parents. They also focus on maintaining a stable career and contributing to community and society.
Moreover, this period is characterized by a shift from the Achieving stage, where the emphasis is on personal achievement and the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake, to caring for the welfare of others and contributing to the next generation. Schaie's theory highlights the evolution and application of intelligence in a social context throughout the adult lifespan and emphasizes that as we grow older, our cognitive focus shifts to accommodate changing roles and priorities.