Luby et al. (SAQ & ERQ neuroplasticity + paper 2)

Question 1

aim

Answer 1

to see if poverty is correlated with brain development and if mediated variables related to stress and parenting could explain this correlation

Question 2

participants

Answer 2

145 children for over 10 years

Question 3

method

Answer 3

MRI scans to measure hippocampal volume

interviews and questionnaires to measure the child’s stressful events and the parent’s income to measure level of poverty

parent child interactions observed behind a two way mirror when child asked to wait to open a gift after parent finishes questionnaire

–> correlations between all the variables with hippocampal volume

Question 4

results

Answer 4

the more positive interactions between parent and child, the higher the hippocampal volume
positive correlation with socioeconomic status and hippocampal volume = the poorer kid, the smaller hippocampi
parenting and stressful life events turned out to be mediating variables

Question 5

conclusion

Answer 5

the study shows how childhood experiences can shape the development of important parts of the brain like the hippocampus

Question 6

key terms

Answer 6

hippocampus
socioeconomic status
neuroplasticity