Developmental Psychology
Paper Assignment
Part 1 – theory
The objective of this section of the paper is to demonstrate that you understand and can talk in depth about at least one developmental theory from class.
Choose any theory from class, but it is highly suggested to choose one you feel like you understand well and could point out both the pros and cons of it.
Some of the following theories are possible; if you choose something outside this list, you must get prior approval:
Biological approach (e.g. Darwin and evolution)
Behavioral/Learning approach (e.g. Bandura, Skinner, Pavlov)
Piaget’s cognitive theory
Overlapping waves (Siegler)
Dynamic systems (Spencer, Thelen, Smith)
Core knowledge, Nativism (e.g. Spelke & Kinzler)
Sociocultural (Vygotsky)
Bronfrenbrenner bioecological
Part 2 – study
The objective of this section of the paper is to demonstrate that you understand and can talk in depth about at least one specific phenomenon/behavior and empirical study about that behavior.
Choose any study (including those discussed in class either in lecture or for an assignment), but it is highly suggested to choose a study you feel you understand well and could identify the methodologies and variables utilized.
If you do not have the original scientific article about the study, you will need to obtain it from the library (citations are at the end of this document).
Some of the following studies are possible; if you choose something outside this list, you must get prior approval:
Kitty carousel (Held & Hein, visual neural development)
Owl monkey fingers (Merzenich & Jenkins, neural development and brain plasticity)
Esther Thelen’s disappearing stepping reflex (motor development)
Kari Kretch & Karen Adolph’s visual cliff (motor development)
Esther Thelen’s variable reaching (motor development)
Janet Werker’s native speech perception (speech development)
Laura Ann Pettito’s manual babbling (language development)
Judy DeLoache’s dual representation
Michael Tomasello’s theory of mind
Renee Baillargeon’s cognitive understanding
Part 3 – integration
The objective of this section of the paper is to integrate your chosen theory with your chosen study. That is, think critically about what your chosen theory argues for and against, what it explains and what it doesn’t.
Then, think about your study and ask yourself “Does this theory explain the findings from this study, or would this theory/theorist not be able to explain or like this study?”
