Assignment

Write 3-4 pages in which you apply Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory to a problem in human lifespan development.

By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies:

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• Competency 2: Apply theories, concepts, research findings and conclusions in human lifespan development.

• Explain how ecological systems influence human development.

• Explain how environmental factors within ecological systems may affect a problem related to human lifespan development.

• Explain how bidirectional relationships between ecological systems can affect a problem related to human lifespan development.

• Competency 4: Apply critical thinking skills to resolve conflicts and issues in the field of human lifespan development.

• Examine flaws in the application of theory to a problem in human lifespan development.

• Competency 6: Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and consistent with expectations for professionals in the field of psychology.

• Describe a problem related to human lifespan development.

• Write coherently to support a central idea with correct grammar, usage, and mechanics as expected of a psychology professional.

• Use APA format and style.

Choose a problem in human lifespan development to use in this assessment. Some examples of problems are:

• The effects of divorce on child development.
• Child abuse and neglect.
• The quality of child care.
• The quality of elder care.
• Obesity rates in the U.S.
• Public policies for children or senior citizens.
• Sex education programs in the schools.
• Other.

Once you have selected your problem, apply Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory. Within your assessment, be sure you include the following elements:

• Provide a brief overview of the problem you have selected and why you chose it.
• For each level of the environment, include the following:
• A brief explanation of the system and how it influences development.
• A description of how the system affects the problem.
• Identify additional factors that can affect the problem.
• Explain how bidirectional relationships between the systems can affect the problem.
• Discuss any weaknesses or flaws in the application of Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory to your chosen topic.

Additional Requirements

• Written communication: Your writing should be free of errors that detract from the overall message and consistent with expectations for members of the psychological professions.

• APA formatting: Format resources and citations according to APA style.

• Resources: Minimum of 2 scholarly or professional resources.Note: Popular resources such as Wikipedia or About.com are not considered to be appropriate.

• Length: 3-4 typed, double-spaced pages not including title page and reference page.

• Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12-point font.

Suggested Resources

The following optional resources are provided to support you in completing the assessment or to provide a helpful context. For additional resources, refer to the Research Resources and Supplemental Resources in the left navigation menu of your courseroom.

Capella Multimedia

Click the links provided below to view the following multimedia pieces:

• Lifespan Development Theories Crossword Puzzle | Transcript.
• Human Development Theorists | Transcript.
• Using the Tools of Academia | Transcript.

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Library Resources

The following e-books or articles from the Capella University Library are linked directly in this course:

• Sameroff, A. (2010). A unified theory of development: A dialectic integration of nature and nurture. Child Development, 81(1), 6-22.
The following articles apply Bronfenbrenner's theory to adult development. You may find these useful for the assessment.

• Otsuki, M., Tinsley, B. J., Chao, R. K., & Unger, J. B. (2008). An ecological perspective on smoking among Asian American college students: The roles of social smoking and smoking motives. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 22(4), 514-523.

• Hurd, N. M., Sellers, R. M., Cogburn, C. D., Butler-Barnes, S. T., & Zimmerman, M. A. (2013). Racial identity and depressive symptoms among Black emerging adults: The moderating effects of neighborhood racial composition. Developmental Psychology, 49(5), 938-950.

• Walker, J. J., & Longmire-Avital, B. (2013). The impact of religious faith and internalized homonegativity on resiliency for black lesbian, gay, and bisexual emerging adults. Developmental Psychology, 49(9), 1723-1731.

• Griffin, A., Gilleland, J., Johnson, A., Cummings, L., New, T., Brailey, T., . . . Osunkwo, I. (2013). Applying a developmental-ecological framework to sickle cell disease transition. Clinical Practice in Pediatric Psychology, 1(3), 250-263.

• Brose, A., Scheibe, S., & Schmiedek, F. (2013). Life contexts make a difference: Emotional stability in younger and older adults. Psychology and Aging, 28(1), 148-159.

• Tao, K. W. (2013). Too close and too far: Counseling emerging adults in a technological age. Psychotherapy, 51(1), 123-127.
Course Library Guide

A Capella University library guide has been created specifically for your use in this course. You are encouraged to refer to the resources in thePSYC-FP3210 - Human Lifespan Development Library Guide to help direct your research.

Internet Resources

Access the following resources by clicking the links provided. Please note that URLs change frequently. Permissions for the following links have been either granted or deemed appropriate for educational use at the time of course publication.

• Richman, J. (Producer). (2007, October 25). "Identical strangers" explore nature vs. nurture [Podcast]. Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/2007/10/25/15629096/identical-strangers-explore-nature-vs-nurture

Bookstore Resources

The resource listed below is relevant to the topics and assessments in this course and is not required. Unless noted otherwise, this resource is available for purchase from the Capella University Bookstore. When searching the bookstore, be sure to look for the Course ID with the specific -FP (FlexPath) course designation.

• Berk, L. E. (2014). Exploring lifespan development (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.

• Chapter 1.