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HD4401 - Introduction to Child Development Theory Case Paper Scenario & Additional Instructions

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SCENARIO:

For this assignment, you are presented with a 6-year old child who is functioning approximately

two years ahead of their age.

DEVELOPMENTAL MODELS:

1) Piaget’s Cognitive Development Theory

2) Kohlberg’s Development of Moral Reasoning Theory

3) Erikson’s Psychosocial Development Theory

SCENARIO INSTRUCTIONS:

Select one of the major developmental models provided above through which you will

conceptualize the child described in the Scenario.

Your paper should contain the following elements:

• A brief introduction that tells your readers what they should expect to find in your paper

• An overview of your selected developmental model that includes: o The principal theorist generally credited with developing the theory o What led the theorist to develop the theory (e.g., why, when, what, etc.). o Any significant factors that helped and/or hindered the theory’s public acceptance o NOTE: The purpose of this section is to provide background contextual

information about the theory and its development without writing a biography of

the theorist.

• Conceptualize the child using the developmental model you selected from the list above discussing the following stages of development:

o The stage at which the child is currently o The most recent stage the child completed (i.e., the preceding stage) o The next stage in line for the child o Note any significant gender-based differences for each of the stages discussed.

• Do you agree with the selected developmental model? Why? Why not? o Discuss your answers to the preceding questions using peer-reviewed, scholarly

articles to support your opinion.

o In other words, use existing, scholarly research to back up what you say so it is more than just your opinion.

o It is perfectly acceptable to like or dislike a particular theory, or aspects thereof, but it is also very important that you demonstrate critical analysis of your opinion.

• A conclusion that summarizes your paper and reminds your readers of what you discussed without introducing any new elements, concepts, ideas, or thoughts—it simply

wraps everything up neatly and “puts a bow on top” of your paper.

• Your paper should also include a properly formatted APA 6 title page, abstract, and references page IN ADDITION to the required number of body pages as noted below.

• When writing your paper, you should make sure that you use at least four (4) external references, one (1) of which can be your textbook. The remaining three (3) references

must be scholarly articles available in the Amridge University Library—nothing from

the general internet, search engines, Wikipedia, or 3rd-party websites, etc. Also, your

HD4401 - Introduction to Child Development Theory Case Paper Scenario & Additional Instructions

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paper should adhere to the requirements provided in the course syllabus in the Theory

Case Paper (QEP Signature Assignment) section (pp. 9 & 10). For your convenience, the writing instructions from the syllabus for this assignment are

provided here:

• Length: 8 to 10 pages, double-spaced throughout

• 12-point Times New Roman font

• Required Sources: Cite a minimum of 4 sources

• Formatted (including 1-inch margins), cited, and referenced in strict adherence to APA 6th guidelines

Research

• Research the theory in as much detail as you can from professional, peer-reviewed (or refereed), journal articles that demonstrate a background of knowledge and skills in child

growth and development. Be sure to include properly formatted APA 6 citations (and the

matching references) as appropriate. Approach this case as if YOU are in charge of

explaining this developmental theory to those working with and caring for this child.

• You are expected to include citations and references as necessary according to APA 6th standards (see Chapters 6 & 7 in your APA 6 manual for more guidance)

Theory Case Paper Format –Strict Adherence to APA 6th is expected. Please refer to the

rubric.

Proofreading - Careful proofreading is necessary to attend to such problems as punctuation,

spelling and grammar, and use of precise terms.

NOTE: Please keep in mind that these instructions apply to both Draft 1 and the Final version

of your paper. Draft 1 is NOT a “rough draft” of your Final, but simply the first attempt to

write your paper. Since this is a writing-intensive course, it is understood that you will

submit, revise, and resubmit your paper with the intention of refining and improving it as you

go.

To be clear, your Draft 1 submission should be a well-written and complete paper with a title

page, abstract, 8-10 body pages, and at least 1 references page; thoroughly proofread, free of

distracting errors in spelling, grammar, syntax, mechanics, etc., and demonstrate your best

work.

The grading rubrics for both Draft 1 and the Final version are located under Modules →

Resources.