Critical Periods Of Brain Growth And Cognitive Function

The article I chose to analyze was â€Å"Critical periods of brain growth and cognitive function in children†. The research was about the relationship between brain growth and the impact it has on different periods of cognitive development. The hypothesis of the study was to determine if brain growth during different periods of development influenced cognitive functioning later in life. (Gale, C.R. 2003) The research was conducted by taking measurements of the head at 18 weeks gestation, within 48 hours of birth, 9 months, and 9 years. â€Å"Foetal head circumference was measured around the outer table of the skull using standard sonographic landmarks.† (Gale, C.R. 2003) At all other ages measurements were taken by using a tape measure wrapped tightly around the head. The weight of each child was taken at birth, 9 months, and 9 years. At birth and 9 months of age measurements were taken of the crown-heel length using a neonatal stadiometer, and at age 9 height me asurements were taken using a portable stadiometer. (Gale, C.R. 2003) Cognitive function of both the children and the mothers were measured using the Wechsler Abbreviated Intelligence Scale as part of the follow up study. (Gale, C.R. 2003) There were a total of 559 children involved in this study from the feonatal stage to 9 months of age. The mothers of each of the children involved in this study were part of an earlier study of nutrition during pregnancy between April 1992 and June 1993. (Gale, C.R. 2003) AllShow MoreRelatedEffects of Deficiencies in Nutrition 757 Words   |  3 Pagesvital nutrients during the most critical period of their mental and physical development. 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