Research Article Summary

Principles of Human Growth and Development, Students who successfully complete the course will meet the following objectives:

I. Written and Oral Communication-demonstrate the skills of accessing, evaluating, and communicating current research pertaining to human development topics by engaging in class discussions, individual or collaborative presentations, and/or written assignments that are well organized, cohesive, and logical;

II. Critical Analysis and Reasoning- apply major human development theoretical perspectives to maximize potentials and/or resolve developmental issues that typically occur in each phase of life;

III. Information Literacy- evaluate information on human development found in print, information technology, film, television, radio and other resources by examining the authenticity, currency, and validity of that information;

IV. Local and Global Diversity-analyze the similarities and differences of diverse multicultural, international, and global perspectives in such areas as parenting styles, sexual expression, relationship patterns, treatment of different age groups, gender roles, death, dying, bereavement, and other human development topics;

V. Personal and Professional Ethics-apply the data, concepts, and theories learned in human development to one's personal, relational, social and/or workplace situations.

Assignment Directions:

Students are to write a multi-paragraph summary based on the different parts of the article (see below for more detailed information).

Papers should include individual paragraphs based on the following headings:

Introduction- An introductory paragraph introduces the reader to the topic of your paper and states the thesis of the research. For the purpose of this assignment, the introductory paragraph should describe the research topic presented within the selected article as well as the main points discussed throughout the article.

Rationale- Trace the logical reasons for this research based upon the findings of previous research. In other words, what prior findings discussed in the selected article led the researchers to the current experiment?

For example, if researchers wanted to do a study about a new medication to be given to children, then part of the rationale (e.g. reasoning) might be that no one has researched the medication on children before. Another possibility could be that the medications currently used with children have been found to have serious side effects.

Methods- Describe the subjects, procedures, and measurement tools used in the study.

Results- What were the findings of the researchers? Although you are not expected to interpret advanced statistics, it is reasonable that you understand the summative statements in the section.

Discussion/Conclusion- What does the experimental evidence add to the existing knowledge? How did the authors critique their own research?

Critical Thinking- In what ways do the research findings fit with the content you have learned in Human Growth and Development? How might the evidence impact people during their lives? How does this research apply to diversity (e.g., age, gender, race, ethnicity, and/or religion)?

Papers should include a reference page with the article citation.

Your paper should be written in American Psychological Association (APA) format. It is necessary to write an abstract for this assignment.

Reminders:

Be sure that your paper includes at least six paragraphs identifying each of the research elements noted above.

Remember the rules for quotation and citation!

You may not use quotes for more than 30% of your paper.

Please spell and grammar check your papers.

Proofread your paper to insure your sentences make sense.