Psychology Question
Note: Child development occurs in a specific sequence. Therefore, the assessments in this course are presented in sequence and must be completed in order.
Early childhood occurs between the ages of two and six. During this time, young children's thinking, memory, and intelligence takes significant leaps. Further, the development of relationships with others increases, particularly with peers. As children begin to influence one another through their interactions, the function of their play becomes important to the development of social and cognitive skills. At this time, gender awareness also occurs. All of these changes take place within the context of family, peers, and communities. Unfortunately, within these contexts, some children may also be exposed to poverty and violence.
Key Influences and Developments in Early and Middle Childhood Development [DOCX] further summarizes key issues during this period of development, including the role of peer interactions, play, family systems, and cognitive, emotional, and physical development. Complete the following three sections for this assessment:
Introduction
- Identify the title of the case study you selected from the Studies media piece linked above.
- Provide an introduction that addresses the general context of development and the specific context of the child in the case study you selected.
- Provide an overview, from an ecological perspective, of the predominant factors of family, society, and culture that could impact this child's development, including relevant examples from the case profile and supporting research evidence linked to those factors.
- Describe the general expectations for healthy development across developmental domains (cognitive, social and emotional, and physical) that should be evident as children transition from early to middle childhood. Link this description to child psychology developmental theories.
Case Analysis
- Describe the primary developmental concern. Provide validation by including relevant examples from the case profile and links to supporting research evidence.
- Use child psychology theories (from Assessment 1) and current scholarly peer-reviewed research to evaluate at least two of the most prevalent developmental needs of the child in the selected case study (primary concern and secondary concerns). Provide validation and support for your work by including relevant examples from the case profile and supporting research evidence.
Conclusion
- Summarize the developmental and contextual issues that are important in understanding this case. Using relevant examples from the case profile, provide suggestions for appropriate actions or interventions in home or school contexts.
- Link those actions or interventions to evidence from current scholarly research literature.
- Written communication: Use the accepted form and style of the psychological professions, employing grammar, punctuation, and mechanics expected of graduate-level composition and expression. The MEAL Plan [PDF] is a helpful tool when constructing paragraphs and essays.
- References: Include a minimum of six academic, peer-reviewed resources. The suggested course text can be used, but it is not considered one of the peer-reviewed articles.
- APA style and formatting: Format the references and in-text citations according to current APA style and formatting guidelines. Use the MEAL Plan document to organize the content and include APA headings and subheadings.
- Length of case analysis: 5–6 typed, double-spaced pages, excluding title and reference pages.
- Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12 point.