This unit Assignment will be a 4 page paper in which you will choose one case study from the text Case Studies in Human Development. You must choose the moderate outcomes (Appendix B) or undesirable outcomes (Appendix C) for your chosen case study. The moderate and undesirable outcomes indicate more significant developmental, cultural, and/or contextual concerns.
As you study your chosen case study, think critically about the shared information. A case study will provide a broad overview and may not include specific detail required for all assignment points. For this reason and the purpose of this assignment, you are free to make assumptions from the information shared in the case study. So, for example, you may assume that a child has an insecure attachment to their caregiver based on shared information in the case study that, as a child, he/she cried inconsolably and could not be comforted. Another example might be that in the case study, you read that the child is struggling to transition from elementary to middle school. You can make assumptions about the child’s support systems (or lack of), such as teachers, guidance counselors, parents, siblings, and friends.
You will address the points in the assignments (below) as they apply to your chosen case study. Support your responses by applying developmental theories and cultural and contextual models, factors, and considerations appropriately. Again, you may elaborate and make assumptions to expand the scenario. You are expected to use the two-course textbooks and two additional scholarly resources.
Provide a brief introductory paragraph with a clear thesis statement (paper’s purpose).
Provide a brief overview of the case study you choose, focusing on the five major lifespan categories of development as outlined in section “C” below. Ensure that for your chosen case study, you are using the information found in Appendix B (moderate outcomes) OR Appendix C (undesirable outcomes).
Lifespan Categories of Development – In your case study:
Physical Development
Apply at least one theory or model to explain three physical milestones or considerations. Examples of a physical milestone might be sitting independently, the onset of puberty, or losing muscle tone and bone density.
Cognitive Development
Apply at least one theory or model to explain three cognitive milestones or considerations. Examples of cognitive factors might be demonstrating object permanence or the ability to think abstractly.
Attachment Considerations
Apply at least one theory or model to address three attachment considerations. Examples of attachment considerations might include a secure attachment with a primary caregiver, difficulty making relationship commitments, or the quality of a marital relationship.
Psychosocial and Moral Development
Apply at least one theory or model to explain three psychosocial and/or moral considerations. Examples of psychosocial considerations might include developing a self-concept and a sense of purpose or reflecting on your life and having many regrets. Examples of moral considerations might include sharing a toy to avoid losing playtime or shoplifting despite knowing that it is against the law.
Cultural and Contextual Considerations
Apply at least one model to explain three cultural and/or contextual considerations. Examples of cultural considerations might include living in a patriarchal culture, being second generational Arab, or living in a military family. Examples of contextual considerations might include living in an impoverished neighborhood of a large city, historical periods of unrest and riot, and the call for social justice or living with wealth and privilege.
Provide a summary paragraph of what you covered in your paper and a restatement of your thesis.
