Question

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.

a) 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?
b) Discuss at least two explanatory factors that could conceivably confound the relationship between diet and IQ.

Answer 1

A) it is not an experiment it is an observational study/analysis

B) i)Foods high in fats and sugar affects IQ (ii)Foods that contain the required classes of food affects IQ positively

Explanation:

A) An analysis carried out on 400 children using the data derived from the long term investigation can not be said to be an experiment but an observational analysis this is because the complete data has been provided already from the long term investigation already. hence it can only be observed

B ) i) foods high in fats and sugar affects The IQ of children later in life as seen from the results of the observational study that children whom had processed foods had a significant negative difference in IQ when compared with children who had health-conscious diets

ii) following health conscious diets early in childhood will have a positive effect on one's IQ later in life .