Analysis and Application Paper
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analysis_and_application_paper_instructions.docxPSYC 210
Analysis and Application Paper Instructions
For this assignment, you are asked to defend the legal policy which states that young children (ages 2-6) should not held accountable for criminal actions.
Describe developmental characteristics from the biosocial, social/emotional, cognitive, and spiritual domains that would apply to this legal decision. Use only information provided in our textbook (The Developing Person Through the Life Span by Kathleen Stassen Berger). Note that environmental factors (home life, parenting, spiritual training, etc.) should NOT be a part of the discussion.
Content Requirements:
Your paper must include 4 main sections (in addition to your introduction and conclusion):
1. Begin your paper with an introductory paragraph to provide a preview for your reader of the information you will discuss in this paper. This paragraph should contain a well-crafted purpose statement.
2. Describe a biosocial argument for this policy. What physical or biological characteristics do we find in a child under six years of age that would excuse them from responsibility for their actions? (Focus on development within the brain, not myelination or motor skills).
3. Describe a cognitive argument for this policy. What is it about the way a child processes information during this stage of life that would lead us to believe that they are not capable of understanding the consequences of their actions (focus on the work of Piaget).
4. Provide an argument for this policy based on the child’s emotional and/or social development. What characteristics do we find in a child of this age in terms of emotional and moral development?
5. Finally, discuss this legal policy considering the spiritual development of a child. What does Scripture say about a child’s ability or inability to take responsibility in cases such as this?
6. Conclusion: In your conclusion identify which of the 4 domains provides the most compelling argument for this legal standard.
Research and Formatting Requirements:
· Proper APA formatting is required for this assignment. Current APA resources have been made available for you and can be found in the Additional Information folder.
· Using only your textbook as a resource, include concepts to support your arguments. Identify any information used with APA style citations.
· Your paper must include 900-1200 words.
· You are a professional in training. Remember to check spelling, punctuation, and grammar before submitting your paper.
DO NOT include the following in your paper:
· Legal definitions of criminal intent or culpability.
· Environmental factors related to parenting, neglect, socio-economic status, or role-models.
· Spiritual interventions that might have prevented these tragedies.
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Criteria |
Points Possible |
Points Earned |
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Analysis
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0 to 30 points Clearly, accurately, and with depth and detail discusses the biosocial, cognitive, social/emotional and spiritual characteristics of a child that would support the legal standard that young children (2–6) should not be held responsible for crimes committed. |
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Application
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0 to 15 points The conclusion identifies the strongest argument (biosocial, cognitive, social/emotional, or spiritual), and tells why it provides the most compelling support for this legal policy. |
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Current APA Formatting Standards are Implemented
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0 to 10 points Correctly formatted title page, headers, page numbers, section headings, level one headings, citations, reference page. |
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Evidence/Research
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0 to 10 points No direct quotes are included. All information is properly paraphrased and cited. |
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Grammar/Mechanics
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0 to 10 points Correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Clear expression of ideas (good sentence and paragraph structure). Word count is 900–1,200 words. |
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Total |
/75 |
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