What is the Early Growth and Development
Study?
The Early Growth and Development Study is designed to
assist families in making sure their children develop
to their fullest potential. Our study builds on important
developments in understanding the relationship between
heredity and family environment in child development.
Traditional thinking was that nature OR nurture influences
a child's development. More recent research is showing
that both nature AND nurture are closely connected and
both, together, may influence the same area of a child’s
development.
In order for us to know how children’s behavior
is influenced by their heredity and their relationship
with their parents, and how they are connected, we need
to study families where the child is not raised by anyone
from their biological family. The best way to do this
is to study children who have been placed for adoption,
adoptive families, and birth families. We also plan to
study the adoption process over time. Our study is the
first of its kind to study both the adoption process and
the influence of heredity and of family environment on
child development at the same time.
Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Study & The George Washington University Medical Center;
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Site Maintained by: Biomedical
Communications | Last Modified:
October 25, 2005
