Question

Now that you have read and reviewed the introduction to development, take your learning a step further by testing your critical thinking skills on this scientific reasoning exercise.

Several studies suggest that breast-fed babies become more intelligent children than formula-fed babies. One such study (Mortensen, Michaelsen, Sanders, & Reinisch, 2002*) involved a sample of over 3,000 women and men born in Copenhagen, Denmark, between October 1959 and December 1961. The samples were divided into five categories based on duration of breast-feeding, as assessed by physician interview with mothers at a one-year examination. The child’s intelligence was assessed using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) at a mean age of 27.2 years.

The results showed that duration of breast-feeding was associated with significantly higher scores on the verbal, performance, and full scale WAIS IAs. This difference was observed even after the researchers adjusted for differences in the social class and maternal education of the two groups. (This adjustment allowed the researchers to rule out any preexisting differences in the groups that might have independently contributed to IQ differences in their children.)

The authors acknowledged that other differences between the groups, such as the children’s genetic potential or their parents’ caregiving skills or motivation to nurture, could explain the results. However, they believe that human milk contains various hormones and other factors that enhance brain growth and maturation.

1. State the research hypothesis in your own words. Identify the independent and dependent variables, and define all important concepts and terms as they are used in this study.

2. What evidence do the researchers offer as a test of their hypothesis? Is this evidence empirical (observable)? Is it valid?

3. What explanation do the researchers offer for their findings? Does this explanation make sense based on the evidence?

4. Given the results of this study, why can’t the researchers draw a causal connection between type of food and later intelligence? What might be an alternative explanation for the results of this study? What could the researchers do in order to make a causal connection between the dependent and independent variables?

5. Are there any practical implications for this research?

Answer 1

1).It is true that breast-fed babies can possess to higher IQ especially if they were breast-fed for a longer period of time.The independent and dependent variables may be viewed in terms of cause and effect.If the independent variable changes then the dependent variable is affected.So here the independent variables are the women who were breastfeeding the babies and the breast-fed babies are the dependent variable.The important terms and concepts are benefits of breast feeding in the long run ,improving intelligence,development of the brain and overall performance of the child in future growth. 2).According to the researchers, they made a test on over 3000 women and men who were being breast-fed.The result was that those who were breast for a longer period of time performed well and scored higher.Yes the evidence was observable as the study showed the difference between those who were breast-fed for a longer and shorter period of time.Yes,it is valid. 3).According to their findings,the researchers try to explain that babies who are breast-fed for a longer period of time can have a good potential of intelligence and higher performance in every walks of life.They also believe that human milk contains various hormones which helps for the brain growth and maturation.Yes,the explanation seems to be true. 4).The researchers cannot draw a casual connection between the type of food and intelligence because they need to experiment it before confirming the result.The alternative explanation is to create awareness among the people about this study.The researchers should conduct more experiments in order to make a casual connection between the dependent and independent variables.5).Yes,there are practical implications for this research as the babies who are breast-fed for a longer period of time are more healthier and less prone to disease.