Profile Assignment Information
Profile Assignment

For the first profile, you need to interview one child (or in the case of very young children interview that child’s parent), adolescent, or adult. Structure the interview by picking two to three concepts from each of the three domains of development for that life-stage (i.e. physical, cognitive, or psychosocial) and asking about those aspects. For example, you might ask the parent of a four-year-old about that child’s eating habits and physical activity; about aspects of language development, such as how the child uses language to tell stories or talks about events in their day; and how that child relates to his or her peers. Also keep in mind the various tests and tasks that have been demonstrated in class – you might want to re-create them for your interview and compare your results with the theorist.

Then write up your interview connecting what you have learned from the interview to concepts and topics covered in class. Be sure to provide appropriate definitions and explanations of developmental concepts. Compare your findings with what is “typical” or expected according to developmental theory.

The profile should be a minimum of 2 1/2 pages in length and will be worth 65 points; 20 points for each domain (physical, cognitive, social) and 5 points for style (font, format, length, spelling and grammar).

The paper should be typed using a 12-point Times Roman font, double-spaced, with 1 inch margins all around. Print should be black and legible. Only your name should appear at the top of the page; no other identifiers are needed. Wasted space will not be counted towards the 3-page length. You may not use quotes or resources other than your textbook and class notes, consequently, no citations and/or bibliography is required. Failure to follow format requirements will result in loss of style points.

Papers will be graded according to how well they adhere to the task, the way in which they link ideas and concepts from class to the observations reported during the interview, and the clarity and organization of the writing.

For the second profile, choose an individual from a different age group. This profile must be a minimum of 3 full pages and will be worth 80 points (75 for each section plus 5 points for style).

There are separate drop boxes probed for each profile.