Technology news and Jobs 
Science Rich and poor children use brains differently
Science Rich and poor children use brains differently | Rich and poor children use brains differently |
|
| by William Atkins | |
| Monday, 05 January 2009 | |
|
Page 2 of 3 The researchers used brain scans based on electroencephalography (EEG), or the measurement of electrical activity in the brain, to determine the functioning of the prefrontal cortex of the brain, which functions to control problem solving and creativity. Featured Whitepaper
5 Best Practices for Smartphone Support
Science DiscussionsU.S. psychologist Mark Kishiyama, an author of the study, stated, "These kids have no neural damage, no prenatal exposure to drugs and alcohol, no neurological damage. Yet, the prefrontal cortex is not functioning as efficiently as it should be. This difference may manifest itself in problem solving and school performance." [UCB press release: “EEGs show brain differences between poor and rich kids”] On the other hand, the researchers also performed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, which do not show a physical difference in the brains of the children, whether they be poor or rich. Such results from the MRI scans indicate that the difference in the prefrontal cortex of the brain of rich and poor children is not a permanent problem, but one that could be corrected. In other words, lower socioeconomic children can be given additional schooling by educators and more attention at home by parents/caregivers to boost the development of their prefrontal cortex, thus, increasing their problem solving and creativity skills. The December 2, 2008 UCB press release quotes U.S. psychologist Robert Knight, also the director of the UCB Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute Robert Knight, one of the authors of the study. Knight stated, “Kids from lower socioeconomic levels show brain physiology patterns similar to someone who actually had damage in the frontal lobe as an adult.” [UCB press release] Page three continues with statements from Knight, along with comments from Kishiyama. |
| < Next story in category | Previous story in the category > |
|---|
