Term Paper Proposal Instructions

Child Development Theories

7400:610

Include the following information:

Header:

Name

Course number

Date

Topic: give a general description of the topic you have chosen. Include as much detail as possible about what you have learned so far about this topic. Your paper should deal with either (a) evaluation of some component of the theory through research or (b) attempts to evaluate an application of a theory (e.g. educational practices, therapies, interventions, etc.). Examples (you are not limited to these suggestions):

• Evaluations of educational approaches based on Piaget’s theory.
• Evaluations of educational approaches based on Vygotksy’s theory.
• Evaluation of self-efficacy scales (Bandura) for teaching, learning, or some other area relevant to child development.
• Evaluation of behavioral interventions (Skinner) such as behavior modification in the treatment of behavioral problems or disorders (such as ADHD).
• Evaluation of psychoanalytic approaches to a childhood problem or disorder.
• Evaluation of the cross-cultural validity of one or more of Piaget’s stages.
• Evaluation of the cross-cultural validity of one or more of Erikson’s stages.
• Evaluation of an intervention or program based on Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory.
• Evaluation of attachment theory: effects of insecure attachment on some aspect of development (social skills, peer relations, academic performance, etc.).
• Evaluation of Vygotksy’s ideas about the relationship between thought and language.
• Compare and contrast Piaget’s and Vygotsky’s theories.
• Discuss controversies/issues relating to Robert Sternberg’s theory of intelligence.
• Discuss the cross-cultural validity of Kohlberg’s theory.
• Critique any theory from a feminist perspective.

Rationale: Explain the relevance of this topic to one or more of the course objectives. Also explain why this topic is particularly interesting or relevant to you.

Scholarly Sources: List and provide complete references (using APA style) for at least five (5) relevant scholarly sources that you have identified as potentially useful for your paper. Scholarly sources are primarily peer reviewed, academic journals, but can also be books that are published by academic presses. Textbooks and webpages are not appropriate sources for this assignment. See me if you have questions.

Outline: make a rough outline of the proposed paper. Show where you think you will use relevant citations. Include an introduction, body, and conclusion. Be as detailed as possible; of course, I expect the paper idea to evolve somewhat between the time that you submit this outline and the time you turn in your rough draft. The purpose of this outline is to get you started, and to give you some direction as you write. Feel free to revise and resubmit the outline for feedback if you make modifications.

Minimum two (2) pages: Proposals less than two full pages in length will not include enough detail, and will be returned to the student.

Please remember to number your pages on all work submitted.