Introduction
Dr. Noble’s talk pertains to the relationship between income and the brain’s development in the early stages of childhood. She argues that children from poverty-stricken communities should be offered income supplements. Dr. Noble suggests that infants from affluent families who are aged three years and above are associated with high intelligence. She also states that the level of income has a significant effect on the development of brain. Moreover, Noble says that if families that earn $150,000 are offered an extra $20,000, there will be no change in their children’ cognitive growth. However, giving an additional $20,000 to low-income families that earn $20,000 would significantly impact their lives.
Noble gives an example of two newborns, one born in an affluent family and the other to poverty. She thinks that there is no significant difference at birth in their brain capacity. However, by the time the two children enter kindergarten, the ones from disadvantaged families will have a 60 percent lower cognitive score than the ones from a well-off background. Moreover, the poor child might drop out from high school and is less likely to have a university degree. She also added that at the age of 35, people from a poor background are expected to be financially unstable if they spend their entire childhood in poverty. According to her, experiences change people’s brain. However, she claims that the differences in the brain structure among children cannot determine their destiny. Dr. Noble emphasizes involving young people in excellent science-based education to change their experiences. She also promotes great use of language and proper communication at home. However, all these interventions are costly and require abundant effort.
My Reaction to Dr. Noble’s Talk
Dr. Noble’s talk on the connection between income and cognitive development is scientifically accurate and proven. Children as usually susceptible to environmental stimuli since they are in a sensitive developmental stage. If they experience unconducive environment, their growth is likely to be affected. Based on the class material on lifespan development, it is clear that children are under critical developmental period. Any event, for instance, poverty or loss of family income affects their growth because of lack of basic needs. Children from poor backgrounds are likely to experience poor health due to malnutrition. Dr. Noble’s talk is based on ensuring all children receive equal treatment especially in terms of nutrition. The government should have the mandate to distribute nutritious food to disadvantaged families and more so to mothers.
In my opinion, enhancing income of disadvantaged families can enable parents to adequately invest in their children as well as themselves increasing their brain capacity. Offering extra income to new mothers can minimize economic stressors since the chances of worrying about bills, food, and clothing are reduced. Increasing revenue to low-income families can promote responsible parenting and decrease the mental challenges of poverty. Dr. Noble argues that children from low backgrounds are likely to drop out of school and less likely to acquire a college degree. There are numerous people raised in a humble environment who have higher educational attainment.
The Connection between Dr. Noble’s Talk and Lifespan Development
Dr. Noble’s talk on the impact of income and brain development does not differ significantly from real-life scenarios. People from disadvantaged families tend to perform poorly compared to affluent backgrounds in various cognitive tasks. This statement is emphasized by Dr. Noble in the research she conducted. Children’s brains are more ductile in the first three years of life, and hence any negative experience can cause profound effects on cognitive development. Therefore, there is a clear connection between Dr. Noble’s talk and lifespan development since reducing poverty can have a positive impact on young children’s mental and behavioral development. Although genetics play a critical role in intellectual growth, the experience can either cause considerable damage to a child’s brain or develop it.