All Posts by

Priya Sharma, Ph.D.

Showing 42 Result(s)
Educational Psychology and Interventions

Growth Mindset: Does It Actually Work? What the Meta-Analyses Show

Few ideas in educational psychology have achieved the cultural penetration of Carol Dweck’s growth mindset theory. The concept — that believing intelligence is malleable rather than fixed leads to greater academic achievement — has been adopted by school districts, corporate training programs, and parenting guides worldwide. But as the idea …

Cognitive Development and Neurodevelopment

Does Breastfeeding Make Kids Smarter? A Critical Look at the Evidence

The claim that breastfeeding boosts intelligence is one of the most frequently cited benefits of nursing. Parenting guides, health organizations, and pediatricians routinely include “higher IQ” among the advantages of breast milk. But how strong is the evidence, and how much of the observed association reflects the milk itself versus …

Environmental and Socioeconomic Influences on Cognition

Does Cannabis Lower Your IQ? What the Latest Research Shows

As cannabis legalization spreads across the United States and globally, a question with significant public health implications has moved from academic journals to everyday conversation: does cannabis use make you less intelligent? The answer emerging from two decades of research is more nuanced than either side of the legalization debate …

Cognitive Development and Neurodevelopment

Screen Time and Children’s Intelligence: What the Research Actually Shows

Few topics provoke more parental anxiety than screen time. As smartphones, tablets, and streaming services become embedded in children’s daily lives, a persistent worry has taken hold: is all this screen exposure damaging their cognitive development? The research paints a more nuanced picture than either the alarmists or the dismissives …

Gender Differences in Early Education Impacts on Cognitive Outcomes
Environmental and Socioeconomic Influences on Cognition

Gender Differences in Early Education Impacts on Cognitive Outcomes

This study, published by Burchinal et al. (2024), examines the long-term effects of early childhood education (ECE) interventions on cognitive outcomes, with a focus on how impacts vary by gender. Using data from the Carolina Abecedarian Project, the researchers explore treatment effects from infancy through middle adulthood, highlighting key differences …

Sensorimotor Variability Influences Early Cognition in Toddlers with Autism
Cognitive Development and Neurodevelopment

Sensorimotor Variability and Early Cognition

A recent study by Denisova and Wolpert (2024) investigates how early sensorimotor features relate to cognitive differences in toddlers diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). By examining over 1,000 children with varying IQ levels, the researchers reveal how sensorimotor variability impacts behaviors linked to autism, providing valuable insights for individualized …

Genetic and Environmental Influences on Hierarchical Cognitive Development
Environmental and Socioeconomic Influences on Cognition, Genetics and Cognitive Abilities

Shaping Hierarchical Cognitive Abilities

Recent research by Jiang et al. (2024) sheds light on the distinct genetic and environmental influences shaping hierarchical cognitive abilities in adults. By categorizing cognitive functions into two levels—basic processes and higher-order functions—this study provides valuable insights into how these abilities develop and differ in their origins. Background Human cognition …

The Role of Self-Control Strategies in SAT Outcomes
Educational Psychology and Interventions

The Role of Self-Control Strategies in SAT Outcomes

Baldwin et al. (2022) examine how strategic self-control and willpower influence Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) preparation and performance. Their findings provide valuable insights into how students can enhance their outcomes on high-stakes exams by focusing on effective self-control strategies. Background The study is based on the premise that self-control is …

Assessing Air Pollution’s Impact on Health and Cognitive Function
Environmental and Socioeconomic Influences on Cognition

Assessing Air Pollution’s Impact on Health and Cognitive Function

Landrigan et al. (2022) present a detailed strategy for evaluating how air pollution affects health and cognitive function at the community level. Their study focuses on Massachusetts, revealing significant health outcomes and IQ loss even at air pollution levels below current EPA standards. The findings emphasize the need for stricter …

The Role of Maternal Milk Feeding in Neurodevelopmental Outcomes
Cognitive Development and Neurodevelopment

The Role of Maternal Milk Feeding in Neurodevelopmental Outcomes

The study by Belfort et al. (2022) investigates the impact of maternal milk feeding on neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants at 7 years of age. Conducted across multiple Australian perinatal centers, this research provides valuable insights into how early nutrition may influence long-term cognitive and academic performance in children born …