Assignment:
Why some people cope better with traumatic circumstances early in life
Term 2 Lifespan Issues ...
The essay should show clear evidence of a full literature review that compares and contrasts theoretical and empirical evidence pertinent to that topic. Students will be asked to compare and contrast at two theoretical understandings of the topic and to critically evaluate how the theories and research underpinning them have contributed to their understanding of that topic.
Choosing a Topic
The idea of introducing two theories in your essay is to offer a psychological explanation for what happens to an individual in relation to the topic you choose.
Title: why some people cope better with traumatic circumstances early in life.
Firstly pick
A lifespan issue and secondly find a special focus to investigate.
Relating Theory to Research - Perspective and Process
All lifespan models suggest internal processes that in turn affect outward coping and behaviour.
We call these ‘theoretical models' because they are theories based on a unique perspective and proposed process. Your task in the essay is to:
1) choose and present clearly two theories which you can relate to the topic in terms of perspective on the topic and a process of psychological adjustment;
2) to evaluate the usefulness of each model in explaining findings in literature and
3) to decide which one best offers an interpretation, in your opinion, of the topic you have chosen - after your investigation.
Critically Evaluating the Contribution of Theory to Knowledge
The essay must therefore PRESENT TWO CLEAR MODELS at the outset. These models must be RELATED TO THE TOPIC. The models must then be DISCUSSED WITH REFERENCE TO RESEARCH ON THE TOPIC. The essay will then culminate in a summary/conclusion where you decide whether WHICH MODULE OFFERS THE BEST EXPLANATION of the psychological process you are investigating. You may feel that both models do this - so in what way? Be careful not to just report different studies in isolation but RELATE them to the models you're investigating.
Two clearly identified lifespan developmental frameworks presented broadly in relation to the topic area chosen
An evaluation of how each of the two identified frameworks can explain findings in research and literature.
A clear conclusion, evaluating the contribution of the two frameworks to knowledge in your chosen area.
TWO LIFESPAN THEORIES must be used !!! if not it will be a fail!!!!
7 pages, 7 APA references