Prior to beginning work on this discussion, please read the American Psychological Association's Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. (2010).

For your initial post, imagine the following scenario: As a psychology professional, you have been asked to provide a caregiver with your professional opinion regarding how issues related to your chosen topic may influence short and long-term physical, cognitive, or psychosocial development in his or her child.

Choose one of the following topics in the area of development to research and discuss:

Prenatal development

Vaccinations

Focus your discussion around one of the following stages: the prenatal period, infancy, or toddlerhood (conception - 3 years).

Using the Ashford University Library, research at least three peer-reviewed articles on your chosen topic that either support or challenge aspects of your chosen issue. Strive to find recent work, but seminal research on the topic should be considered as well.

Evaluate the unique scholarly perspectives found in your research. Based on the research you reviewed, identify your professional position on the topic; specifically, will incorporation of this element have a positive or negative impact on the child's development?

Apply this research to major themes of development influenced by your chosen topic (i.e., physical, cognitive, and/or social) and explain how the literature supports your chosen stance. Point out how your stance compares or contrasts with prevailing popular wisdom on the topic.

Your explanation should take the form of a persuasive discussion intended to help the caregiver respond positively to your advice as a psychology professional.

Analyze any ethical considerations discussed in the research and their effect(s) on the trends related to your topic. Include the complete references for your selected articles at the end of your initial post.