Infants from High and Low Socioeconomic Groups

This study sought to determine whether differences existed between infants from low socioeconomic status (SES) families and those from high SES families in the occipital rhythmic activity of the brain, as 'recorded in their electroencephalograms (EEGs), as well as in other developmental measures. Ten low SES white infaLts and 10 high SES white infants given EEGs at age 3, 6, and 12 months did not show differences in the occipital rhythmic activity, suggesting comparable neurological functioning between groups. Three measures of infant development were administered at varying intervals between 1 and 18 months. No significant differences between the 2 groups were found until age 12 months. At 12 months, the low SES infants scored lower than the high SES infants in personal-social and adaptive development and, at 18 months, they lagged behind the high SES infants in mental development and language comprehension. Observations of the infants' home environments found that the low SES group was exposed to more television and experienced less maternal responsivity than the high SES group. (Contains 18 references.) (MDM) *********************************************************************** * Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made * * from the original document. lc, ********A************************************************************** Occipital Rhythmic Activity and Other Developmental Measures of U.S DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Otter, of Educatory) Research and Improvement EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) XThis document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization originating it Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality Points of view or opinions stated in this document do not necessat ay represent OtfiCial OERI position or policy Infants from High and Low Socioeconomic Groups Rachel Inselberg Western Michigan University Michael Sluss Neurology and Rehabilitation Association Arthur Feinberg Bronson Methodist Hospital This research was partially funded by a Western Michigan University grant and fellowship, as well as a grant from the Bronson Clinical Investigative Unit. Running head: Occipital Rhythmic Activity in Infants Rachel Inselberg, Ph.D. (:ffjaa) Professor (7,:q Western Michigan University Kalamazoo, MI 49008