If you frequent this blog, you’ll know that I often write about the latest parenting-related studies and research.
I come across quite a number, and while they are highly informative in nature, there are a few that make me scratch my head and say:
“Really? Did researchers just waste their smarts and time on that study? Couldn’t they just find the ultimate fat-burning solution? That’s time well spent!”
Note: My thought bubbles are italicized.
1. Study: Kids 0 – 2 years old exposed to maltreatment or trauma have lower IQ
This is what researchers from the Boston Children’s Hospital and the Institute of Child Development at the University of Minnesota found.
Exposure to maltreatment and trauma, in relation to this study, is defined as domestic violence towards the children’s moms.
The reason for this may be because the brain experiences a rapid growth from 0 – 2 years, making it highly impressionable and malleable to external factors – including violence. In addition, children in the study also scored low on cognitive tests.
Regardless of age, no child should ever have to see his or her parent be physically abused. And while this is a great study in terms of showing how exposure to violence reduces IQ and cognitive skills, I can’t say it’s surprising.
2. Video games are good
This article from Gamasutra cites a number of studies done by big universities and (even bigger) companies on why video games are good for both children and adults.
A few key points are:
- Parent-approved video games help children improve their social, educational and physical development if played in moderation.
So can playing real games like tag or math hopscotch. And yes, I already know that moderation is key.
- Surgeons who play video games often are better at performing surgeries.
Uhh, this actually makes a lot of sense but I could (weakly) argue that (perhaps) surgeons could get better by performing more surgeries too. Right?
- Kids who successfully play more complex video games can learn: interpretative analysis, strategic thinking, adaptation to rapid change, plan formulation and execution and problem solving skills.
I have to admit this does make sense but can’t the same skills be taken from chess or a paintball match?
Okay, so some of the points aren’t so bad, let’s go see what’s next on the list then, shall we?
3. Where kids live may increase the risk for childhood obesity
This is actually an interesting study from the Seattle Children’s Research Institute.
The findings show that children who live in an ideal neighborhood have a 59% lesser chance of being obese. But wait, what constitutes an ideal neighborhood?
An area that has increased walkability, more access to healthy food in the form of stores and those near high-quality parks.
Though the study is interesting, I can’t say it’s surprising since we’re greatly influenced by our immediate surroundings. You can almost be certain that if there’s a candy store around the corner, your children will frequent the place.
Alright, alright
I’ll leave it to you to determine which studies surprise you or not. The good part is we still all learned a few things, right?
What’s in YOUR thought bubble?
About Anne Mercado
I love that I am not the only one that reads something and thinks “DUH!” Some of these studies are actually appalling that they actually had to DO. I agree with you about the surgeons being better at performing surgery because they are doing more!
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The thing about studies (and I do love them, don’t get me wrong) is that everything we know today are based on them. And no matter how obvious a working premise is, it’s great that a scientific approach was used to confirm, correct or reject it.
Now that that’s out of the way, despite my love for them, there are a few studies that no longer surprise me, probably because I’ve read one too many. But anyway, about the surgeons, they just have to be good with hand-eye coordination so anything that improves that makes them better.
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Another great post Anne. I agree with all your thought bubbles.
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Thanks Pamela!
I love your thought bubble on the surgeons. The obesity/ideal neighborhood one is interesting. I wouldn’t have assumed that had anything to do with it. Good point about the chess – this is something my son and I could learn together. We are both competitive.
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Chess is a great strategy game. I wish I could find someone who’d teach my son. By the way, it’s cute that both of you are competitive
This was great Anne! I laughed out loud at your comment on surgeons improving by doing more surgeries.
I was stuck on the study where children’s IQ and cognitive skills were decreased by trauma. I don’t think our brains are set up to decrease their intellectual functioning by experiencing trauma…increase anxiety maybe which could cause more problems with attention which could impact cognitive skills, but not actually decrease one’s IQ or limit one’s ability to increase cognitive functioning after the emotional impact has been managed…BUT, I’m not a doctor or a scientist…just an opinionated thought bubble. 
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The study didn’t say how traumatic events caused the lower IQ and cognitive skills. They’ll probably need a separate study for that. But that’s a very interesting point your brought up
And I enjoy your comments, Ms. Opinionated Thought Bubble!
no kidding, some are real duh?? moments. Love your style and you little lady, so cute !!!
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Different strokes for different folks. Some studies are obvious for some while for others, they aren’t. Aww thanks for your kind words, Kim!
Thanks for sharing. So many studies do seem like “duh.” With the video game study, what I wonder is will our children’s use of computers, video games, and cellphones at such a young age cause more of them to have carpal tunnel and at a younger age.
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I still believe in sending kids to play outdoors or engaging them in activities that make them think. Although computer games do have their benefits, I’d rather stay off it.
Interesting studies. But, like you, they really do not surprise me. OF COURSE if there’s good neighborhoods that a child can walk around, they’re going to do so thus getting them exercise thus lowering their risk of obesity.
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Hi Courtney, absolutely! If only it’s safe to walk around my neighborhood I’d take nice long walks with the kiddo.
haha, yes these actually don’t surprise me either. They all simply make sense.
“Couldn’t they just find the ultimate fat-burning solution?”
Oh ya! That IS something I’d love to find out. I also want to know it REALLY works. Not like all those pills and such that claim they work and don’t. hehe
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You’d think with all the advances of modern medicine and science they would have found a way to keep people from gaining too much weight.
My thought bubble says “They spent a lot of resources for studies that state the obvious?” Hehehe. I mean, it doesn’t take a genius to come up with these conclusions right? And I find myself nodding as I read your thought bubbles.
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Haha, hi Aileen. In their defense, it’s good that humanity uses scientific research to confirm premises – no matter how obvious they seem. But yeah, some studies do seem silly.
What I often wonder about is that some studies would normally say “Too much can lead to “… while it is nice to know the negative effect of doing something too much, sometimes it’s just a matter of common sense. Like too much tv can lead to obesity (then again if someone watches too much tv but still eat healthy food and do exercise?). Too much video games can lead to a non-sociable kids (if a kid never goes out and interact with human, of course, the kid will become non-sociable, no). We must already know that anything too much can lead to something bad, right? EXCEPT for loving our children! There is no such as too much love
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The studies I’ve read specify certain parameters to get more accurate findings, which means they consider factors like – taking from your example – whether children watching TV are active or not. However, there are probably times wherein they won’t be able to factor in ALL conditions which can affect the findings.
This was a great post – thanks! I always shake my head at these too. I read a study recently that concluded that teens who drank one or more alcoholic drink per week were more likely to engage in sexual activity. Who thinks it’s worthwhile to study these things?
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I actually love studies but have to admit that some are silly
Glad you liked this post, Kristin! Drop by again soon.