One of the Longest-Running Psychological Studies Ever Conducted Was Begun

question 147

Essay

One of the longest-running psychological studies ever conducted was begun by Lewis Terman in 1921 in order to learn about children who scored in the top one percent of the IQ distribution. As they reached adulthood, some of these "Termites," as they were called, fulfilled their early promise, but others did not. Analyze the differences between those who were successful and those who were not.

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Definitions:

Neural Plate

The flat layer of embryonic ectodermal cells that develops into the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord.

Neural Fold

Embryonic structure that folds to form the neural tube, which later develops into the central nervous system in vertebrates.

Thalamus

The part of the vertebrate brain that serves as a main relay center, transmitting information between the spinal cord and the cerebrum.

Medulla

(1) The inner part of an organ, such as the medulla of the kidney. Compare with cortex. (2) The most posterior part of the vertebrate brain, lying next to the spinal cord.