Discourse Analysis (3)

Alex Grealish
Discourse Analysis (3)

University of California - Berkeley. "Poor Children's Brain Activity Resembles That Of Stroke Victims, EEG Shows." ScienceDaily 6 December 2008. 28 February 2011

This article is about a study preformed on "normal 9- and 10-year-olds differing only in socioeconomic status" using an electroencephalography which "uses electrodes on the scalp and held in place by a cap to measure underlying brain activity". The study showed that these children from low income families "have detectable differences in the response of their prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain that is critical for problem solving and creativity" then those who come from high socioeconomic incomes. The kids were to watch pictures on a screen and press a button in response to a change or realization of what it was they saw. The information gathered was a dramatic difference in those from low income families. These results showed them that those from a low income have lower responses. Scientist believe this frontal lobe activity could have direct connections to behavioral differences with the kids as well. This outcomes of these children were frighteningly similar to those response of "people who have had a portion of their frontal lobe destroyed by a stroke". It is believed that stress and environmental conditions are to blame for these problems.
The article is very unbiased. It mentions the facts and restates multiple times that the results don't apply to every situation. I don't believe it's it trying to sway my opinion one way or another. It wants to just give out the information found and try and help the children, and people affected. I believe it connects very well with what babysteps. The healthy growth of children is important to everyone there and this article helps show people ways these kids are affected and how to learn to fix the problem or stop it entirely.