Developmental Theories

Developmental Psychology

Program Outcomes:
The student will observe individuals in a natural setting and be able to analyze and synthesize information about the selected age group so as to improve their understanding of basic developmental theories and research in the study of human development.

Introduction:
For this assessment, you will select an age group for the following choices. (Infants: Birth – 2, Preschool Period: 2 – 6 years, Middle childhood: 6 – 10 years, Adolescence: 10 – 18 years, Emerging Adulthood 18 – 25 years, Early Adulthood: 25 – 40 years, Middle Adulthood 40 – 65 years, Late Adulthood: 65 years and older).

Write Paper

1. Why did you select this age group for your paper?
   Write an introduction and why you selected the specific age group. Give any general information about the age group you selected
2. Complete a paper with an introduction and a minimum of 2 pages with at least a total of 5 well-written paragraphs covering the three domains as you see below, plus an introduction and conclusion. See rubric for more information. You may reflect on any observations or life experiences you have obtained to help you objectively share information in each domain. Use your textbook to start, and one or two other resources for additional information. Compare the development observed to the theories in the textbook (Piaget, Vygotsky, BF Skinner, Ericson, Bandura, etc.). You may wish to use journal articles or even websites to help compare the development to the theories. Provide appropriate documentation for your paper using APA. You may see the Final paper guidelines box below to assist you with citation.

I. Physical Development

II. Cognitive Development

III. Psychosocial Development (Emotional & Social Development)

IV. Conclusion
a. What have you learned about this age group?
b. What have you learned about yourself?
c. How has this project affected your understanding of human development?

Final Paper Guidelines
Paper is to be typed, 12 point font, 1“margins and double spaced. You will have at least 5 sections in your paper, including the introduction and conclusion. Each section is to be labeled (Introduction, Physical Development, Cognitive Development, Psychosocial Development and Conclusion).