Order Description

a case study and therefore requires you to apply theory to an example.
Purpose:

The purpose of this case study is to integrate the understanding of two developmental theories with a practical example. Within this integration is an identification, analysis and evaluation of major life themes with the inclusion of strengths and challenges faced by a fictional character.
Process:

Select a character presented in a book, television or film at a major life transition (leaving home, wedding, parenthood, retirement) and briefly summarise the context in which the character becomes known.

Often getting started on this assignment is the difficult bit, so here are some suggestions to help.

Pick a character from a movie that really interests / fascinates you.

A few examples are below. If you Google things such as; 1) films all psychology students

should watch or 2) movies that relate to life transitions or lifespan development you will
start to see many examples that may stimulate your own choice

E.g.

• “Finding Nemo” and reaction to fathers overprotection in regards to Erikson’s Psychosocial stages

• “American Beauty” and different characters in regards to Erikson’s Psychosocial stages or mid life crisis

• “Grumpy old Men”, “Cocoon”, “Space Cowboy” and theories of ageing

• “Good Will Hunting” and application of counselling to adolescence and relationships

• “Thelma and Louise” and life transition

• “The Sixth Sense” and theories of death and dying

• ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral” etc etc

Write a case study that summarises the major life themes identified in the film, and apply theories of development to analyse the;

• life stage,

• the strengths and challenges faced by the character,

Use sub headings to structure you case study that relate to the requirements and marking criteria.
Using two developmental theories presented in this unit

These include;
– Exploring the lifespan
– Physical development and psychoanalytic theories of development
– Behavioural learning and systems theories of development
– Cognitive theories of development
– Attachment and socio-emotional theories of development
– Social cognition and moral theories of development
– The self and personality theories of development
– Theories of intelligence and creativity
– Theories of aging, grief, death and dying
– Applications over lifespan.

The text book for a least one reference should be;
Sigelman, C.K., Rider, E.A., & De George- Walker, L. (2016). Lifespan human development (2nd Australian / New Zealand ed). South Melbourne, Vic: Cengage Learning.
Your Case Study will need to address:

• Case study written and is inclusive of the naming of major life themes in the chosen source

Summarise lifespan development and clearly indicate the life themes that relate to the character you choose

• Identification of the chosen character with a brief summary of the context in which
the character is introduced

Summarise for the reader (me the marker) the context of the characters story

• Identification of key aspects of each of the two major developmental theories and
application of these theories to an analysis of the life stages of the character, including the strengths and challenges faced by the character

Similar to above ensure you explain both ‘life change’ as well as ‘strengths’ and
‘challenges’

• Reference to current literature and integration of relevant theory into your discussion

Possible Structure

• Introduction

• Definition of life span development

• Character chosen, context and life themes identified

• Overview of 2 development theories

• Application of theory 1 – life change, strengths, challenges

• Application of theory 2 – life change, strength, challenges

• Conclusion
Information about the writing of Case Studies

A case study:

• should provide a description of a particular subject such as a practice, problem, scenario or situation

• is often based on a person or organisation

• provides an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to apply theory to practice

• should critically analyse, evaluate or review the subject using the relevant theory

• may be given to you in the assignment question, or you may need to develop your own case scenario

Referencing should completed throughout the case study – whenever speaking of theories or research as well as n a reference list

I can send through the marking guide if required

Order Description
Reflective Essay

1500 words
a) discuss supports and challenges to health and wellbeing at various stages of the life span

b) discuss the psychological implications of physical and cognitive changes that occur with maturation and ageing

c) identify and critically evaluate attachment and socio-emotional theories of development and apply to case presentations
Instructions:

Note from educator – “The purpose of a reflective essay is to reflect on personal experiences and use these experiences to explore theoretical concepts. Some essays will require reflection on your application of skills in client sessions or practice sessions.”

Please stick to +/- 10% of the wordcount of 1,500. Use turnitin to upload draft papers as many times as you can to ensure that the similarity % and referencing in your paper is sound.

Purpose:

The purpose of this Reflective Essay is to demonstrate the understanding of two developmental theories in relation to significant developmental events in the adult life of the student.

Note from educator –

Note here the requirement is to reflect on events in your ADULT life using TWO different theories.
Process:

Write a reflective essay applying two developmental theories to significant aspects and stages of your own adult lives. Analyse these selected developmental events through the lenses of two developmental theories presented in this unit, supporting the analysis with relevant references.
Some developmental theorists recommended for use in this assignment are:

? Erik Erikson

? Jean Piaget

? Ivan Pavlov

? John B. Watson

? Burrhus Frederic Skinner

? Albert Bandura

? Lev Vygotsky

? Urie Bronfenbrenner

? Gilbert Gottlieb

? John Bowlby

? Mary D. Salter Ainsworth

? Lawrence Kohlberg

? James Marcia

? Dexter Dunphy

? Kim Bartholomew

? Antonia Henderson

? Donald Dutton

? Robert Sternberg

? Howard Gardner

? Betty Carter

? Monica McGoldrick

? Sandra Bem

? Leslie Gutman

? Colin Murray Parkes

The Reflective Essay will need to include:

? Identifying the chosen significant developmental aspects and stages of your adult life

Note from educator – Summarise lifespan development with particular relation to the adult stage that you will discuss

? Identification of key aspects of each of the two major developmental theories

Note from educator – Pick two and clearly articulate the key elements of the theoretical approach

? Analysis of the chosen developmental events with reference to two major developmental theories

Note from educator – Outline clearly each event you wish to use and discuss how each theoretical approach you have chosen provides a perspective on the events

? Reflection on your personal responses and experiences in relation to these significant developmental aspects and stages

Note from educator – Discuss you own personal reflections on each event and how / if it relates to staged development and the theories chosen

? Reference to current literature and integration of relevant theory into your discussion

Developmental aspects that could be included;

Exploring the Lifespan

Physical Development and Psychoanalytic Theories of Development

Behavioural Learning and Systems Theories of Development

Cognitive Theories of Development

Attachment and Socioemotional Theories of Development
Family Systems’ Impact on Development

Social Cognition and Moral Theories of Development

The Self and Personality Theories of Development
Gender-Role and Sexuality Theories of Development
Theories of Intelligence and Creativity
Theories of Ageing, Grief, Death and Dying
Applications over the Lifespan
Marking Criteria – Reflective Essay

Content

1. Identifying the chosen significant developmental aspects and stages of your adult life

2. Identification of key aspects of each of the two major developmental theories

3. Analysis of the chosen developmental events with reference to two major developmental theories

4. Reflection on your personal responses and experiences in relation to these significant developmental aspects and stages

5. Reference to current literature and integration of relevant theory into your discussion

Structure, Presentation and Referencing

1. Main ideas clearly and logically presented

2. Relevant research and scholarship literature used appropriately to support claims

3. Correct academic writing style used, including correct spelling, grammar and punctuation

4. Both first and third person writing style is to applied where relevant

5. In-text referencing and reference list follows APA referencing style (6th ed.) as set out in the APA website: https://www.apastyle.org/

6. Word count is within + or – 10% of requirement