Application Paper

Application Paper Course Paper: Application of Theory to Everyday Experience: During the course of the semester, students will write one short paper (3-5 pages including references) applying concepts of growth and development to an individual at a particular developmental stage. The paper will describe a brief (15 minutes) observation of an individual in their real-life context. The purpose of this paper will be to give students the opportunity to apply theoretical concepts to everyday situations. The paper should include the following information: 1. Description of the event being analyzed. This can be an observation of the individual in any type of situation, i.e. a public location – shopping at the mall or supermarket, going to a movie theater or park, etc; family gathering – meal, holiday celebration, etc. The description should be both detailed and objective, and include who was involved and what took place – specific behaviors, interactions, activities. 2. Application of theories of development to the situation. The student should use at least two different theories (i.e. Piaget, Erikson, Vygotsky, Freud) to analyze the observation. Do not provide an in-depth discussion of the particular theories you choose. Rather use the behaviors of the individual to provide examples of aspects of the theories. Points will be deducted for such discussion of theory. 3. Discussion of the analysis – what are the expected developmental achievements for an individual at the identified point of development and what are the implications of the analysis in terms of the individual you are describing in terms of their ongoing development. Format: Paper should be typewritten, no more than 3-5 pages in length and following APA 6th edition/Hacker guidelines. Proper bibliography and citations should be included. Grading Criteria: Observation 30% Detailed description of what occurred, no analysis Analysis 30% Application of two different developmental theories to events described. Use theories that have been discussed in class. Discussion 30% Expected norms for that individual, does the individual meet them, what are the implications for future development. Format 10% APA 6th edition. Proper references and citations Writing style - Good use of sentence structure, divide sections appropriately, easy to read, not to exceed 3 pages double spaced.