In: Math
A recent study found that toddlers who have a diet high in processed foods may have a slightly lower IQ later in life. The conclusion came from a long-term investigation of 14,000 people whose health was monitored at 3,4,7, and 8 years of age.
e) One analysis found that of the 4000 children for which there were complete data, there was a significant difference in IQ between those who had had “processed” (i.e., junk) food and those who followed health-conscious diets in early childhood. Is this an experiment? Why or why not?
f) Discuss at least two explanatory factors that could conceivably confound the relationship between diet and IQ.
e) One analysis found that of the 4000 children for which there were complete data, there was a significant difference in IQ between those who had had “processed” (i.e., junk) food and those who followed health-conscious diets in early childhood. Is this an experiment? Why or why not?
No, this is an observational study because the data found that there was a significant difference in IQ between those who had had “processed” (i.e., junk) food and those who followed health-conscious diets in early childhood. This means that the data was collected and then it is observed and analyzed to find a significant difference in the IQ score and the conclusion came from a long-term investigation of 14,000 people whose health was monitored at 3,4,7, and 8 years of age.
f) Discuss at least two explanatory factors that could conceivably confound the relationship between diet and IQ.
The explanatory factors that could conceivably confound the relationship between diet and IQ are:
(i) According to new research, a diet high in fats, sugars, and processed foods in early childhood may result in lower IQ scores, while a diet rich in healthy foods packed with vitamins and nutrients may work in reverse.
(ii) Foods that contain high levels of lutein which is in leafy green vegetables like kale and spinach, as well as broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage, have a better IQ than a child who likes to eat outside according to the several studies reports.