Assignment Details & Rubrics

Developmental Psychology

APA Style

Research Proposal

Objective: The goal of this assignment is to allow you an opportunity to elaborate on your understanding of a developmental psychology topic of your choosing. Requirements:  10-12 double spaced page paper in APA format  At least 5 references, provided in APA style  You must turn in an electronic copy to Canvas Instructions: You should focus on finding information on your topic beyond what is presented in your book. This means that your paper should demonstrate that you have thought about and understand your topic beyond the level that is provided by a single source. Your paper should provide a comprehensive explanation of the topic, an example of how this topic applies to the daily lives of developing children and adults, and provide specific examples of how this topic could be better understood. Your topic should be somewhat specific (e.g., learning a second language in adolescence). More general topics (e.g., language development) are not encouraged. Since your book must not be your only reference, you are to seek information on your topic from empirical journal articles or nontextbook book chapters. While your book cannot be your only source, your textbook will cite journal articles and book chapters that you are encouraged to explore as potential additional sources. You can also go to the library and check out a book on your topic, or run a search of journal articles on the library’s website. Sources such as Wikipedia, which rely primarily on amateur contributions, are not acceptable. Grading: This assignment is worth up to 100 points. Grades will be awarded based on your understanding and elaboration of the topic, as well as the rubric below. Sample Topics: Feel free to chose a different topic or take one from this list. If you have a question about a topic or unsure about whether a topic is appropriate for this assignment, feel free to see me during office hours.  IQ vs. multiple intelligences  Learning a second language  Memory loss in older adulthood  Prenatal maternal cocaine use and its influence on adjustment  Gene x environment interactions in everyday life  Gene-environment correlations in everyday life  How does attachment style influence later parenting?  Traits vs. situation-specific behaviors  How should Piaget’s theory of cognitive development influence education?  Are authoritarian parents always bad or good?  Gender roles, gender stereotypes, and vocational choices  Are parents or peers more important for development?