Genie the Wild Child Essay

1) A case study is when researchers conduct in-depth investigations of individuals or of small groups. The EX POST FACTO method is an experimental research process, where the researcher manipulates the independent variable, while the dependable variable is controlled with the aim of establishing the effect of the independent variable on the dependable variable. There are many advantages and disadvantages to case studies. An advantage is that it can provide insight to specific cases. A disadvantage is that it may focus on isolated circumstances or events that cannot be replicated. Also a disadvantage is that people interviewed in case studies may distort their past experiences. 2) The scientists were trying to find out if people learn language from their environment or are they born with an innate ability to speak? They were also trying to find out if people can learn a language at any time in their lives or must they learn to speak when they are young? The hypothesis of their study was that she would not be able to come back to be a normal living human that is her actual age. 3) Genie spent nearly all of the first thirteen years of her life locked inside a bedroom strapped to a potty chair. She was a victim of one of the most severe cases of social isolation ever documented. Genie was discovered by Los Angeles authorities on November 4, 1970. Psychologists exhibited great interest in the case because of its perceived ability to reveal insights into the development of language and linguistic critical periods. Initially cared for in the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Genie later became the subject of bitter debate over where and with whom she should eventually live, moving between the houses of the researchers who studied her, to foster homes, to her mother’s house, and finally to a sheltered home for adults with disabilities in California. Funding and research interest in her abilities eventually ceased and she quickly regressed to her previous state. 4) I do agree with Genie’s treatment by all involved because in the end her treatment made it possible for many new inventions for children that might have possibilities like Genie’s. Her case study made many people think about how children are to be brought up correctly. If I was her teacher, I would try to help her while she is in class. I would also let someone know that I think that she could have some serious problems both mentally and at home. If I was her doctor, I would put her on medication. I would also tell authorities about what is wrong with her and how her home life could possibly be causing these problems. If I was her psychiatrist, I would let authorities know about what I think is going on at her home. If I was a social worker and I saw her, I would be really concerned and want to investigate to why she is acting the way that she was. If I was someone that wanted to adopt her, I would be ready for an experience of a life time and I would also be ready to have someone that needs lots of attention living with me. 5) Her behaviors and mental processes were unlike anyone around her age group. She was very much undeveloped. Researchers believe that this was caused from the lack of human contact. Also, because Genie was brought up in an environment that was not good, her verbal skills were very poor. At the age of 13 she only could understand about 20 words. The words that she did know were harsh and unusual for a little girl to understand. 6) The last time that Genie was found by someone was in 2000. At this time she was living in a privately owned facility for six to eight mentally undeveloped adults. I feel that today she should been someone that could show people what happens to children who are brought up in poor childhoods. 7) My connection to this specific case study is that people, who are brought up in â€Å"unhealthy† early lives, are going to have problems later on in their lives. There is not a specific case study that is similar to this one for many reasons.