Scholarly research is critical in learning and gaining new knowledge on specific topics across different disciplines. My area of interest is infant development which is integral in understanding physical, cognitive, and psychological growth. This review examines the article ‘Nutrition in infancy and long-term risk of obesity: Evidence from 2 randomized controlled trials,’ authored by Atul Singhal et al. This paper aims to determine how the article contributes to increasing my knowledge about infancy development and the lessons and skills gained from the assignment.
The selected article explores the relationship between early infant diet and the development of obesity in later life. The authors conducted a randomized controlled trial, and the results of the observation indicated that early weight gain in infants increased the risk of developing obesity in later life. The study asserts that processed baby food products contain nutrients that accelerate the growth of infants. The study by Singhal et al. (2010) offers valuable insights on how the choice of diet during infancy influence the health status of individuals in later life. Better diet choices can reduce the susceptibility of future generations to obesity and reduce the prevalence of ailments associated with excessive body weight.
Scientific research designed to examine elements of human development is undertaken using an experimental approach within a controlled environment. Data from these experiments are collected over time to ensure results have an element of statistical significance. For instance, the experiments conducted by Singhal et al. (2010) were initiated in the 1990s, and follow-ups on participants were made. Since experiments on human development involve human subjects, ethical consideration is integral. The researcher must obtain permission from the relevant ethics committee to protect participants from physical or emotional harm. The ethics committee ceased the second experiment initiated by Singhal and other researchers after evidence of adverse effects was reported. I have also learned that studies on human development involve statistical analysis of data for supporting or refuting a hypothesis.
The assignment required the ability to search, locate and access specific resources from an online library. Although the Internet contains vast resources and materials for study, obtaining evidence-based information can be challenging. I needed the ability to search online databases and to differentiate between scholarly and other resources for research. I will apply the skill in conducting future research to identify and locate materials from reliable databases. I also required skills in downloading, installing, and using specific software for reading the resources I located. I will use the software to read and highlight important sections of articles in future research. Finally, the assignment required the ability to read and evaluate information from a resource. I was able to identify and summarize the key points from the selected article. I will use this skill to determine the relevance of the information contained in scholarly resources to research topics.
This assignment reviews how the selected resource contributed to increasing my knowledge of infancy development. The article provides critical information on the relationship between obesity and early diet in infants. Proper care of infants through a controlled diet can help prevent the development of obesity in later life. I learned about the unique elements of human development research and the role of ethical considerations. I also developed relevant skills in locating and accessing resources, which will help in future research.
Reference
Singhal, A., Kennedy, K., Lanigan, J., Fewtrell, M., Cole, T. J., Stephenson, T., Lucas, A. (2010). Nutrition in infancy and long-term risk of obesity: Evidence from 2 randomized controlled trials. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 92(5), 1133-1144. Web.