The Relationship between Early Childhood Use of Mobile Devices and Subsequent Cognitive Development
In the Thought Paper, you are expected to demonstrate critical and creative thinking skills by
writing a brief proposal for a psychological study. In your Thought Paper, you will briefly “propose” a
psychological experiment that can answer your chosen research question. Below, you will find a
list of potential research questions you can choose to work with. Using the knowledge and skills
obtained from this course, you are expected to demonstrate the ability to think about the research
question critically and creatively, by defining the research question, formulating a study
hypothesis, proposing appropriate research methods to test the hypothesis, and drawing logical
conclusions based on anticipated findings.
Sample Questions for Thought Paper:
In this assignment, you are expected to demonstrate your ability to conceptualize and design a
psychology experiment.
Below is a list of sample research questions you may choose. Or you may formulate your own
research question for the Thought Paper:
▪ What is the relationship between the early childhood use of mobile devices (e.g., iPad) and
subsequent cognitive development?
▪ How does the exposure to crime reports on mass media impact children’s pro-social or anti-social
behavior?
▪ How does the use of technology devices/computerized programs influence human intelligence?
Does it help or hurt?
▪ Does listening to music while studying facilitate/impair academic performance? Does the kind
of music matter?
▪ Is notetaking with paper and pen superior in terms of learning and retaining new information
compared to notetaking using a laptop computer?
▪ What is the relationship between smoking and concentration abilities?
▪ Is there a relationship between gender and learning styles?
Title: The Relationship between Early Childhood Use of Mobile Devices and Subsequent Cognitive Development
Introduction:
The use of mobile devices, such as iPads, has become increasingly prevalent in early childhood. As technology continues to evolve, it is essential to understand the potential impacts of mobile device use on cognitive development. This study aims to investigate the relationship between early childhood use of mobile devices and subsequent cognitive development. By examining this relationship, we can gain insights into the potential benefits or drawbacks of mobile device usage in early childhood.
Research Question:
What is the relationship between the early childhood use of mobile devices (e.g., iPad) and subsequent cognitive development?
Hypothesis:
It is hypothesized that increased exposure to mobile devices during early childhood will have a negative impact on cognitive development. This hypothesis is based on concerns regarding excessive screen time and its potential interference with cognitive processes such as attention, memory, and problem-solving skills.
Research Methods:
To test the hypothesis, a longitudinal study will be conducted, following a group of children from the ages of 3 to 7 years. The study will involve two groups: an experimental group with high exposure to mobile devices and a control group with limited exposure. Participants will be selected from diverse socio-economic backgrounds to ensure a representative sample.
The study will employ various research methods, including surveys, cognitive assessments, and observation. Surveys will be administered to parents to gather information on the frequency and duration of mobile device use by their children. Cognitive assessments will be conducted at different time points to measure cognitive abilities such as attention, memory, and problem-solving skills. Observations will also be made during play sessions to assess the quality of play and interaction in both groups.
Data analysis will involve statistical techniques, such as correlation analysis and regression analysis, to determine the relationship between mobile device use and cognitive development. Factors such as socio-economic status, parental involvement, and educational background will be controlled for to ensure accurate findings.
Anticipated Findings:
Based on previous research and the hypothesis, it is expected that there will be a negative correlation between mobile device use in early childhood and subsequent cognitive development. Children with higher exposure to mobile devices are anticipated to show lower cognitive abilities compared to those with limited exposure. Additionally, it is expected that factors such as socio-economic status and parental involvement may mediate or moderate this relationship.
Conclusion:
This proposed study aims to contribute to the understanding of the relationship between early childhood use of mobile devices and subsequent cognitive development. The findings of this study will have implications for parents, educators, and policymakers by providing insights into the potential benefits or drawbacks of mobile device usage in early childhood. It is hoped that this research will inform guidelines for responsible mobile device use and promote healthy cognitive development in young children.