Human Development and Lifespan

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Directions for small group discussions in Module VI (Late Adulthood & Death and Dying)

DIRECTIONS FOR SMALL GROUP DISCUSSIONS IN MODULE VI (Discussions #6 and #7)

(Participation in both discussions is a course requirement)

Discussion #6: Bioecological Analysis of Factors that May Affect Recovery after a Stroke

Scientists who were interviewed in the video segment, The Aging Brain, were surprised that persons could recover so much function after a stroke. But not all persons recover to the extent that Kent Miller did. The assignment for the group is to analyze, from a bioecological perspective, factors that might be important in determining how much function a person will recover after having a stroke.

The “bioecological analysis” should address the complete Bioecological Model (influences at all levels with some attention to relationships among them). However, I request that each member’s initial post offer his or her thoughts about a way in which a single aspect of the bioecological system might influence recovery. (One “level” or even an example of a single influence within a level) I make this request with some reluctance because, as I hope you understand, a key feature of Bronfenbrenner’s Bioecological Model is its emphasis on the reciprocal relationships among the systems! However, I want all group members to have a chance to contribute to the group’s analysis, and limiting initial posts to one system may help to make that feasible. I suggest that you label your post with the “level” of the bioecological system that you are addressing. After Monday, April 26 (unless the group sets an earlier deadline for everyone to make an initial contribution), anyone who has something further to add may do so. Be sure that by the end of the discussion, some attention is given to reciprocal relationships among the various levels.

Although each person in the small group should contribute his or her thoughts, the “final analysis” is the responsibility of the group. The group should address influences in each of the six systems, and each individual group member’s contributions should complement, not repeat, thoughts posted by others. That means, of course, that when you post if there are already a couple of posts on contributions of the microsystem, your post should address a different system. Also, please don’t just post your contribution and “forget about it”. Instead, before the last day of discussion take another look at what group members have posted and add anything you can to make the analysis as complete and accurate as possible. A member should post a summary of the analysis at the end of the exercise. Please have the summary posted by 8:00 a.m. on Friday, April 30; there will be a deduction for all members if no summary has been posted by then.

Please see Directions for Discussion #7 (also required) on page 2 ----->

Discussion #7: The Question of Cognitive Decline in Older Adulthood

Consider what the tests of the cognitive performance of older adults, depicted in the video and discussed in your textbook, demonstrate about the cognitive performance in late adulthood.

Then consider Timothy Salthouse’s observation that most people in their 60s and 70s don’t appear to be less competent than people in their 20s and, in fact, they hold many of the most responsible positions in society. How does the group propose that we explain this apparent contradiction (if it can be explained)?

Try to come to a group consensus on the following important questions:

1. “Is there evidence that cognitive ability declines with aging (?)

And, if there is,

2. “Why is it that older persons often appear to be quite competent with respect to activities that require the use of cognitive abilities?”

Again, if you post early, please leave some room for other group members to contribute. And when you post, if your fellow group members have pretty much answered Question 1, don’t repeat what they said; instead move on to Question 2. If you have contact with older adults, feel free to share your observations, whether or not they agree with those of Salthouse.

As in the discussion of recovery after a stroke, at the end of the discussion period, someone should summarize the group’s position. Try to reach a consensus among group members. If the group can’t come to a consensus on the question, note the disagreement(s) in your summary. Let’s make the deadline for posting of the summary the same as the deadline for Discussion #6 (i.e. 8:00 a.m. on Friday, April 30).