Final answer:
Research suggests socioeconomic status significantly influences concrete operational thinking during middle childhood, affecting cognitive development by either providing supportive conditions or presenting stressful challenges that can impact intelligence levels and brain function.
Step-by-step explanation:
Current research on cognitive development during middle childhood suggests that concrete operational thinking is influenced by socioeconomic status rather than schooling, genetic factors, peer interactions, or emotional intelligence. This stage of cognitive development is characterized by more logical and organized thought processes when dealing with concrete information. Factors such as family background and home environment can notably impact cognitive development, as they contribute to an individual's access to resources and supportive conditions that facilitate learning and mental growth.
Research indicates that children living in poverty may experience stress that negatively affects brain functioning and development, potentially leading to lower IQ scores. This implies that cognitive skills and intelligence levels are not solely determined by education or genetic factors, but rather by a multitude of elements, including the socioeconomic context in which a child is raised.