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Case Studies

Write a 3–5 page paper in which you describe each adult's respective development, describe research as presented in the Chi et al. (2023) article and an article you find in the library, and finally, describe the individual influence, social identity, and worldview that exists for each adult's case study.

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Introduction

Humans experience physical, cognitive, social, and psychological changes throughout the stages of adult development. As we age, some skills grow and flourish while other abilities and our health, at some point, may begin to decline. No two human beings are exactly alike as adults, not even identical twins. The many unique environments and people around the adult significantly influence their experience of aging and adult milestones. Family, friends, co-workers, community, and culture set the backdrop for these decades of life. Such contexts influence an adult's beliefs, identities, and values as they navigate adulthood and experience aging. In Assessment 2, you'll explore adult development and aging through three case studies. Each adult in the case study has been shaped by different developmental factors which, in their case, has led to conflict.

Preparation

Before you begin writing your paper, please complete the following:

  1. Read Case Studies [DOCX] presented on Eli, Julia, and Pam.
  2. In your reading list, read Chi et al.'s 2023 article, “Age Differences in Emotional Experiences Associated With Helping and Learning at Work.”
    • Located in the Assessment Resource reading list.
  3. Use the Capella Library to find one additional scholarly article.
  4. Review the Case Studies Paper Template [DOCX]. You will use this template to write your paper.

Instructions

In your paper, include the following.

  1. Describe development for each adult presented in the case studies, using psychological terminology and concepts.
  2. Describe research from one provided article, and one additional scholarly article found on your own.
    • Theory.
    • Hypothesis.
    • Variables.
      • Independent variable (for Chi et al.'s (2023) article only).
      • Dependent variable (for Chi et al.'s (2023) article only).
    • Findings
  3. Describe for each case study the following topics, as they influence beliefs, values, and interactions with others:
    • Individual differences.
    • Social identity.
    • Worldview.

Note: It's recommended that you use the Case Studies Paper Template [DOCX] for this assessment. It will make writing the paper much easier.

Additional Requirements

  • Communication: Apply critical thinking and communication skills concerning adult psychology in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and respectful.
  • Font: Times New Roman, no larger than 12 point font.
  • Organization: Your paper should be well organized and written in clear, succinct language.
  • Grammar: Your paper should be free of grammar and punctuation errors that would distract the reader's understanding of the content.
  • Length: 3–5 pages, in addition to a reference page.
  • Resources: Include at least two peer-reviewed journal articles (including the one provided for you) and your textbook. Cite these sources in your paper and list on your reference page.
  • APA: Follow APA style rules for citing sources. Refer to Evidence and APA Citationfor more information on how to cite your sources.

Review the scoring guide before submitting your assessment to ensure that you meet all criteria.

Competencies Measured

By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and scoring guide criteria:

  • Competency 1: Apply key concepts, principles, and themes in adult development.
    • Describe development of each adult using psychological terminology and concepts.
  • Competency 2: Describe basic psychological research.
    • Describe research methods used in a scholarly article.
  • Competency 3: Describe how individual differences, social identity, and worldview may influence beliefs, values, and interactions with others.
    • Describe individual differences, social identity, and worldview as they influence beliefs, values, and interaction with others.
  • Competency 4: Use project management skills.
    • Demonstrate project management skills by following assessment directions.
  • Competency 5: Write using a clear purpose, organization, tone, and sentence structure.
    • Use APA style citations and references while attempting a reference list.
    • Create a text in the third person, adhering to conventions of academic tone.
    • Use the resources linked below to help complete this assessment.Collapse All

      Research and Writing Resources

      Library Skills: ResearchTo complete the assessments in this course, you will need to find sources in the Capella library. To help with that, you need to learn some key library search skills. Start by reading how to create a research plan. This will help you set up a timeline, focus your search efforts, and organize your research efforts. Learn about choosing the right databases.The “key” to successful library searches are your keywords. Read about how to select effective keywords to use in your search. Find out how to build and develop a library search. Read great tips from the Capella Library for building your search.
      • Building Your Search.
        • Take some time to explore the Search Builder tool. This tool will help you learn how to combine your search terms in more advanced ways using Boolean Logic. This approach will allow you to get more relevant and targeted results.
      Read about ways to refine your search (since it’s rare for the first try to be absolutely perfect). Next, take some time to explore RefWorks. This is a tool you can use to keep track of your sources and more easily create reference lists for your assessments.

      Writing: Tone

      When writing, we look to the acronym, POETS:
      • Purpose.
      • Organization.
      • Evidence.
      • Tone.
      • Sentence structure.
      These five writing elements serve as the foundation for how we write effectively. Within this course, we will take a deeper look at how Tone appears in academic writing. Get started by reading about what we mean when we refer to tone in our writing.Read an overview about tone and its role in academic writing. Find out when it is appropriate to write in first person vs. third person. Learn how to write in active voice. Part of writing academically in the proper tone is being concise. Read these tips on how to write concisely. Learn about anthropomorphism, which is the application of human behavior to inanimate sources. Please read more on how to avoid anthropomorphism in your academic writing.

      APA Resources

      This course will expect that you create APA style citations and references. The resources in your APA Resources reading list will help you.

      Adult Development and Aging Psychological Concepts

      Adults experience growth and development in many areas across these decades of life. Review the chapters below to learn more about adulthood and aging, and hopefully debunk some myths and misconceptions about aging along the way.

      Physical

      The following chapters describe physical concepts related to adult development and aging.
      • Bjorklund, B. R., & Earles, J. (2020). Journey of adulthood (9th ed.). Pearson. Available in the courseroom via the VitalSource Bookshelf link.
        • Chapter 2, “Physical Changes.”
        • Chapter 3, “Health and Health Disorders.”
        • Chapter 10, “Stress, Coping, and Resilience.”

      Cognitive and Personality

      The following chapters describe cognitive and personality concepts related to adult development and aging.
      • Bjorklund, B. R., & Earles, J. (2020). Journey of adulthood (9th ed.). Pearson. Available in the courseroom via the VitalSource Bookshelf link.
        • Chapter 4, “Cognitive Abilities.”
        • Chapter 8, “Personality.”

      Social

      The following chapters describe social concepts related to adult development and aging.
      • Bjorklund, B. R., & Earles, J. (2020). Journey of adulthood (9th ed.). Pearson. Available in the courseroom via the VitalSource Bookshelf link.
        • Chapter 5, “Social Roles.”
        • Chapter 6, “Social Relationships.”
        • Chapter 7, “Work and Retirement.”
        • Chapter 9, “The Quest for Meaning.”

      Psychological Ethics

      Read the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct in your Ethical Principles reading list to learn about the ethical guidance that shapes psychology professionals' behaviors.