Read the following passage and answer the given questions. A recent study by the OED Research Center has revealed a surprising contrast between adults...

Read the following passage and answer the given questions.
A recent study by the OED Research Center has revealed a surprising contrast between adults and
children when it comes to practical knowledge. Unlike traditional assessments that focus on aptitude
and analytical abilities, this research emphasized real-life problem-solving and day-to-day decisionmaking. Participants were presented with situations that mirrored common life experiences—such as
handling minor crises, interpreting emotions, and solving everyday challenges. Surprisingly, the results
showed that while adults were highly qualified in terms of academic degrees and certifications, their
ability to navigate practical situations was notably lower than that of children.
Children, though not formally educated to the same extent, demonstrated remarkable insight,
adaptability, and intuition. Their responses were realistic, creative, and grounded in observation. They
approached problems with open-mindedness and curiosity—traits that often diminish in adults due to
structured thinking and ______________ educational systems. This revealed an important distinction:
qualifications do not always equate to real-world competence. Adults often rely on theoretical
knowledge that doesn’t translate well into spontaneous or practical situations, while children, free from
overthinking and academic pressure, tend to grasp and respond to reality more naturally.
The study also pointed to deeper issues in how knowledge is taught and measured. Adults, having spent
years in institutions that emphasize grades and credentials, may lose the ability to learn flexibly or think
critically beyond a fixed curriculum. On the other hand, children learn through experience, observation,
and continuous questioning of their surroundings. Their learning is organic, driven by curiosity rather
than the need for validation through marks or degrees.
This research challenges traditional views on intelligence and highlights the limitations of measuring
competence solely through academic achievement. It suggests a shift is needed—both in education
systems and societal expectations—toward encouraging experiential learning and real-world problemsolving skills. By valuing curiosity, adaptability, and practical understanding, we may better prepare
individuals of all ages for the complexities of life. In many ways, the findings remind us that knowledge
is not defined by age or education, but by one’s ability to engage with the world meaningfully.

Choose the most appropriate word to fill in the blank in the following sentence from the passage:

"...traits that often diminish in adults due to structured thinking and ______________ educational systems."