Chugani et al (development, bio)

Question 1

Aim

Answer 1

To compare brain development in Romanian orphans to similar-aged children and adults.

Question 2

Procedure

Answer 2

• Small sample: 10 children, mean age of 8.8, lived in orphanage for average 38 months before adoption
• Those with pre-existing conditions were excluded but lack of record-keeping might not have taken all info into account
• Infants spent up to 20 hours a day unattended, caregiver ratios were 10:1 for children over 3
• Two control groups: 17 “normal adults, 7 children who suffered from epilepsy (affected areas of the brain were not compared)
• All children received a profile based on several cognitive tests and all groups completed PET scans

Question 3

Findings

Answer 3

• After one year in adoptive home, children showed substantial “catch up” to peers (according to parents at time of the PET scan)
• Many still suffered from attentional, behavioral and academic achievement difficulties
• PET scans showed decreased glucose metabolism in prefrontal cortex, amygdala, hippocampus, lateral temporal cortex
• These scans are known to be strongly interconnected with vulnerable to prolonged periods of stress
• Researchers concluded that dysfunction in these areas may be a result of early deprivation and be involved in some long-term cognitive and behavioral disturbances observed in some orphans

Question 4

Strengths

Answer 4

• “Naturally-occurring situation” allows neglect to be studied without creating an unethical situation

Question 5

Limitations

Answer 5

• Small sample (generalizability)
• Not longitudinal or prospective
• Record keeping in orphanages was poor

Question 6

Ethical Considerations

Answer 6

• Informed consent (parental consent)
• Protection from harm (should know the PET process before consenting)

Question 7

Research Method

Answer 7

Case Study