Long-term study on gender differences
Gender-specific differences between girls and boys are already apparent in infancy and childhood with regard to some cognitive abilities and certain behaviours. It is undisputed that environmental factors have a major influence here. However, there also appears to be a small influence of prenatal hormones. Sex hormones to which children are exposed in the womb during pregnancy appear to play an important role.
The Department of Cognitive Psychology is conducting a long-term study entitled ‘Cognitive development and sex hormones in infancy and childhood’, in which such gender differences and the influence of prenatal sex hormones are being investigated. Between 2010 and 2012, pregnant women were recruited for the study who had an amniocentesis carried out between the 14th and 18th week of pregnancy for diagnostic purposes. Prenatal hormone concentrations were measured in the amniotic fluid samples, which were to be linked to postnatally recorded behaviour and cognitive abilities.
Five measurement points have already been completed as part of this long-term study. These took place in the laboratory at HHU. The first two measurement points were carried out at the infant ages of five and nine months. The following three measurement points were carried out at toddler and kindergarten age. A wide range of behaviour was recorded across the various measurement times. Among other things, visual-spatial skills such as mental rotation or target throwing were examined. The children's preference for toys and their ability to delay rewards were recorded. Studies were also carried out on prosocial behaviour, aggression and empathy. A sixth measurement point of the long-term study is currently being carried out in the form of an online study. The participating children are now of primary school age.
The contact person for this study is Judith Lawrenz. If you have any questions about the study, please send an e-mail to Judith.Lawrenz@hhu.de. No further participants are being sought for this study. If you are interested in taking part in the study, please find out about other ongoing studies being conducted by the General Psychology working group.