NPR

Studies Skewed By Focus On Well-Off, Educated Brains

What does a "normal" brain look like? Something a lot different when researchers make sure that study participants reflect the race, education and income levels of the U.S. at large.
Source: Roy Scott

Brain imaging studies have a diversity problem.

That's what researchers concluded after they re-analyzed data from a large study that used MRI to measure brain development in children from 3 to 18.

Like most brain imaging studies of children, this one included a disproportionate number of kids who have highly educated parents with relatively high household incomes, the team reported Thursday in the journal Nature Communications.

For example, parents

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR3 min read
Runaway Horses Gallop Through Central London, Blazing A Path Of Mayhem And Injuries
Five military horses got spooked during a training exercise, bolting and weaving a path of destruction across the city before being captured. Several people and horses are being treated for injuries.
NPR3 min read
A Photographer Documented Black Cowboys Across The U.S. For A New Book
NPR's A Martinez speaks with photojournalist Ivan McClellan about his new book documenting Black cowboys, Eight Seconds: Black Rodeo Culture.
NPR4 min readInternational Relations
Biden Signs $95 Billion Military Aid Package For Ukraine, Israel And Taiwan
Ukraine will get most of the assistance as it struggles to combat Russia's overwhelming firepower. The bill also includes more weapons for Israel, and humanitarian help for Gaza.

Related Books & Audiobooks