Learning Objectives: Distinguish key characteristics across developmental realms

Learning Objectives:
Distinguish key characteristics across developmental realms associated with various ages and stages of human growth and development
Examine and critically evaluate both theories and empirical findings in development (from conception through death)
Identify, discuss, compare, and contrast cultural norms and values that influence development at different ages (e.g., childbirth, attachment, child rearing, gender roles, relationship patterns, views of older adulthood, and death and dying)
Interpret and apply information learned in class to facilitate understanding of the psychological characteristics of the student and others
Points Possible: This observation is worth 25 points.
Instructions: This assignment requires you conduct a naturalistic observation of an environment specific to late adulthood. You will then be required to submit an essay, whereby you present a summary of your findings and supporting information related to the concepts that apply to that developmental period.
Late Adulthood
Observation/Interview Assignment
Learning Objectives:
• Distinguish key characteristics across developmental realms associated with various ages and stages of human growth and development
• Examine and critically evaluate both theories and empirical findings in development (from conception through death)
• Identify, discuss, compare, and contrast cultural norms and values that influence development at different ages (e.g., childbirth, attachment, child rearing, gender roles, relationship patterns, views of older adulthood, and death and dying)
• Interpret and apply information learned in class to facilitate understanding of the psychological characteristics of the student and others
Assignment Instructions:
Please select from the two options below in order to meet your Late Adulthood Observation/Interview assignment requirement worth 25 points.
Option A (Observation)
Please make arrangements to visit a senior center, assisted living facility, or nursing home. You will need to conduct a naturalistic observation, whereby you are observing the behaviors from an outside perspective. You should not directly interact with the subjects being observed. Please take notes of the activities and behaviors you observe. If you are visiting a facility, it is important to get permission in advance of the observation. Let them know you are a Developmental Psychology student and that this is a course requirement. Most facilities are open to educationally based observations.
OR
Option B (Interview)
Please interview a senior citizen age 65 or older in order to understand the concepts outlined in Chapters 11 – 13. It may be a friend, acquaintance, family member, or any other willing participant.
You will need to construct a list of questions you wish to utilize in the course of the interview. I will not provide prescribed questions, as the nature of the relationship with the interviewee will often influence the questions you feel comfortable asking. I recommend that you prepare an outline of the applicable Chapters to determine what types of questions you are comfortable asking. Then, use that information to compose a list of questions. They should be questions of interest to you, which can be directly related to concepts discussed in the textbook.
Points Possible: This observation is worth 25 points.
Assignment Requirements:
After you have completed the observation or interview, please submit a summary of your conclusions. Please take care to link the information gained in the observation or interview to the concepts outlined in the textbook in order to demonstrate your understanding of the material. As with exam essay questions, please be sure to use, underline, and define all relevant terms while also providing a direct example of the concept as it relates to the observations you made or experiences of the individual you interviewed. This summary should be 2 to 3 pages, double spaced, Times New Roman, 12 point font, with 1 inch margins. Please attach a copy of your observation notes or interview questions, and submit with your summary via Blackboard, in accordance with the submission guidelines outlined on Blackboard.