Developmental Psychology Assignment #2
Everyone wants the absolute best for their children, yet there are often differing opinions on what
actually is “the best.” This is why we have politicians arguing over how public education should be run,
hundreds if not thousands of “how to” books on raising children, and of course our own personal
preferences and family traditions.
In lecture and in your textbook, many scientific studies have been mentioned and referenced that deal
with improving, or maximizing the developmental potential of children. For this assignment, we will be
looking at empirical, scientific evidence for methods that help children (conception through
adolescence) to develop.
Your task: Identify and describe three (3) things lecture and/or your textbook have described that
can be done to help children develop in a positive way. Item (1) must be something that parents can
do to help their children develop successfully (e.g., parenting styles, nutrition, discipline, etc.),
Item (2) must be something schools can do to help children develop successfully (e.g., teaching style,
nutrition, physical education, etc.), and Item (3) is up to you to choose (something parents can do,
schools can do, the child can do, the government can do, etc.). However, each item must be supported
with research (your textbook will be the easiest option).
– You may choose any time period from conception through adolescence (each item can be
from a different age range)
– Your three items do not have to be on the same topic (it is likely easier to choose 3 different
items to discuss)
– You may use your textbook as a reference, although you are also free to also find outside
resources supporting your view if you like
NOTE: Wikipedia is *NOT* an acceptable resource (although it is a good starting point)
– DO NOT simply copy and paste anything from a website, your textbook, or any other
material you are referencing. This is plagiarism. You MUST put the information into your
own words. If you plagiarize, you will receive a zero (0) for this assignment.
Formatting:
– Approximately 2 – 5 pages in length (these are guidelines, not hard limits)
– Although this is not an essay (no need for an introduction or conclusion) it is still a writing
assignment, so please use complete sentences and paragraphs.
– Your paper must be typed & double-spaced
– No cover page needed
– You may use whatever font & font size you like, as long as it is readable
– NO QUOTES allowed, instead rephrase the information in your own words.
– Make sure to use citations for your information. Make sure to cite within the text as you
make your statements, and include a reference section at the end of your paper I am not expecting a “textbook-style” of writing. Write as though you were explaining the
concept to a friend who had never heard of your topic before. Define the appropriate
words, and explain the appropriate concepts well enough that your friend would be able to
understand after listening to you.
For each of your 3 items you should include the following:
1) Describe what your (research supported) item is. (what are you suggesting should happen)
2) What age range does this apply to? (Infancy? Adolescence? Etc.)
3) What specifically are the benefits? (make sure it is supported by research) This is likely your
longest section, and the one most likely to include your required citation. Do not simply list
a few items, you need to describe what the benefits are and why they are beneficial. Cite
your sources.
4) How should/could this be implemented? (Be specific and detailed, give examples. Make
sure this is both supported by research, as well as realistically achievable.)
5) Misc. information you wish to add (not required, but sometimes you may wish to share
personal stories or an interesting finding, this is the section to do so)
This is not a traditional essay, so please do not write it as such (e.g., you are not required to have an
intro, conclusion, etc. Simply the three items.)
***IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS AT ALL, PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO ASK ME***
EXAMPLE:
Item #1: Parenting Styles (Parents)
1) Parents should adopt an authoritative style of parenting.
2) The age range this applies to is __________…
3) The benefits of authoritative parenting are _____________…
4) Parents can be more authoritative by ____________…
Item #2: Etc. (Schools)
1) Etc.
2) Etc.
3) Etc.
4) Etc.
Item #3: Etc. (Misc)
1) Etc.
2) Etc.
3) Etc.
4) Etc.
