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California authorities discovered Genie, a thirteen-year-old girl who had spent
Featured Event 1970 Event

November 4

Genie Discovered: Feral Child Raises Science Questions

California authorities discovered Genie, a thirteen-year-old girl who had spent most of her life locked in a small room and tied to a potty chair, sparking a fierce ethical debate over the limits of scientific research on human development. This tragic case forced psychologists to confront how critical early social interaction is for language acquisition, ultimately overhauling laws regarding child welfare and the ethics of studying isolated children.

November 4, 1970

56 years ago

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