Looking Back to Look Forward
One of the most effective ways scientists look forward into developing medical, psychological, and educational tools is by looking back at longitudinal data. What is longitudinal data? In basic terms, research studies that evaluate information from active participants over many years are considered longitudinal. One such study with the hope of valuable feedback on adolescent brain development is the ABCD Study.
This comprehensive research includes over 11,000 kids, and follows them from age 9-10 for a full decade. Scientists will be able to evaluate social factors, educational influences, substance abuse, and the under-girding neuropsychological development throughout adolescence. In light of this unprecedented COVID-19 flu epidemic, it will be fascinating to see what dynamic developmental information comes to light!
MBJ
By Terissa Michele Miller, MS Psy
Check out the original research:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dcn.2018.05.003
https://abcdstudy.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/January2020-1.pdf
