Psychology

The purpose of this assignment is to recognize the concepts we have studied, at work in real life, in your observations of an adult or elderly person’s daily experience.   Keeping a field log of your observations of the person for one day, you will critically discuss how this person’s activities are shaped and constrained by their age and societal expectations. This will allow you to actively observe some of the concepts learned in class.

Writing expectations

The paper should be 6-7 typed pages, double-spaced, 12-point font, with 1" margins.  Remember to use APA format to cite and reference your sources.  

Instructions

1.  Create a log.  For one day record your key observations of the person as he/she interacts with others.  Be particularly observant about how the person acts with their peers and how they act with others outside of the peer group.  You may want to observe this person in different settings, for example in a class setting, a church, with family members or an organized group activity.  This is a formal written log which will be submitted with your assignment and is included in the overall page count.  

***Please do not observe a family member/spouse or close friend for this assignment.  A friend, acquaintance, or co-worker would be a better choice in order for you to be able to maintain objectivity.  It is up to you whether you wish to inform the person that he/she is being observed.

2.   For your paper, you must answer the following questions referring to specific concepts/theories you have learned thus far in the class.

a.  What was your initial impression of the person? What is their gender, age and economic status?

b.  What did you observe about how social the person is?

c.  What did you observe about how others interact with the person?

d.  What did you observe about prejudicial or stereotypical behavior toward the person (e.g., based upon their age/gender)?

e.  Do you believe that this person is developing typically or atypically based upon what you know so far about his/her current stage of life?  Why?