To gain a better appreciation and understanding of generational differences in adolescence, your assignment is to interview a person of your choice who is at least a generation older or younger than you (about 16 years; they may be your parents, child, relatives, or friends) using the following questions. You are also encouraged to ask additional questions you may have as the conversation unfolds.
The paper should be a minimum of 3 full pages, up to 5 full pages, typed and double spaced. Please write the paper in paragraph form, rather than question-answer format. It should include a Title Page, Reference Page (if necessary), have 1” margins and 12-point font, and be in Times New Roman font.
The following must be included in the paper:
A description of your interviewee (age, ethnicity, occupation, etc.) Briefly state where they lived during their adolescence, family composition (living w/ parents, number of siblings, etc.), and school attendance.
In paragraph form, report their responses to your interview questions. Try and primarily paraphrase their answers, although interesting comments may be quoted.
Include at least 4 scholarly articles that discuss some aspect of adolescent develop that is relevant to your interviewee. For example, if the interviewee was bullied and it affected their social or emotional development, include recent scholarly research from peer-reviewed journal articles that discuss the socioemotional toll that bullying can have on adolescents.
Conclude your paper by describing your thoughts about the overall similarities and differences between the adolescent experience of your interviewee, and experiences of contemporary adolescents, including yourself.
The paper is due on Sunday by 11:59 pm.
Example Interview Questions:
(Remember that you are free to add your own as well)
What kinds of things did you do for fun as a teenager?
What were your main sources of stress during adolescence and how did you manage the stress?
What was dating like when you were a teenager?
What was the most rebellious thing you did as a teen? What kinds of punishments did your parents use for you?
What kinds of things caused problems for teens at the time (drugs, alcohol, etc.)?
What were things like socially in your high school (cliques, etc.)?
How was religion a part of your teen years? Did it help, hinder, or affect your development in any way?
What was your attitude toward school? What were your options after high school?
Do you remember experiencing any kind of peer pressure as a teen? In what way?
Did you have a job as a teenager? What was it and how do you feel it impacted your development (for better or worse).
What was your relationship like with your parents?
What type of music was popular during your teenage years?
What were the important social/political issues at the time, and how were teens involved in them?
What advice would you give to your younger self?
