| Abstract: | Reviews retrospective studies of the relationship between malnutrition and mental deficiency and examines the methodological problems involved. Procedural complications (e.g., inadequate controls, the problem of Ss' possible immobilization, and the difficulty in knowing the developmental history of Ss) are pointed out in 4 relevant studies. The ideal design for such research would be prospective (from the prenatal period), experimental (random assignment to level of nutrition and age of malnutrition), and longitudinal (at least to adolescence). Until methodological problems are corrected, the influence of malnutrition on mental development is questionable. (41 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
