Problem: Family Observation Presentation
ssignment Instructions
Overview:
For this assignment you will conduct a family observation so you can apply your knowledge of family systems theory. You may observe a real family or a family sitcom to observe the family dynamics. Then you will create a presentation detailing your observations. This assignment occurs in two parts:
Part 1 - you will create the presentation and submit to Canvas for grading
Part 2 - you will submit the presentation as a part of a discussion assignment
Instructions:
Your observation of a family should last at least one hour, therefore if you choose a sitcom, you will need to watch two episodes. Some examples of family sitcoms that may be appropriate: Fresh Prince, Full House, Fuller House, Family Ties, etc. Need Assignment Help?
Take notes on your observations. Divide your note taking into 3 sections: speaker, content, process observations. The process observations should be the bulk of your presentation. After your observation you will then develop a ten slide presentation summarizing your observations, with a cover slide, and a reference slide a total of twelve slides.
Include at least three scholarly references to support your observations from a family systems approach. These references can include your textbooks, scholarly articles or other textbooks. Scholarly references should not be websites, trade books, or opinions.
When conducting the observation keep the following in mind:
Be alert for expressions, body movements, interruptions, topic changes, and times that one family member disconfirms another by ignoring, changing the topic, disparaging the speaker, or bringing in a third party.
Some questions to consider:
Who sits close to whom?
Who's farthest away from whom?
Does this proximity and distance reflect the level of verbal involvement between members or not?
Who talks to whom?
What is the emotional climate in the family, what they talk about and the way they interact during periods of calm versus periods of tension?
Track a few of the process dimensions during the observation and then review the tape to conduct a more thorough analysis of the interactions.
What evidence was there for homeostatic mechanisms, negative feedback loops, complementarity, what family rules did you observe, any paradoxical communications?
Apply your knowledge of family systems theory to analyze your observations, with particular attention to various pairings -- parents with each child, parents with each other, etc.
Your presentation should include the following aspects:
Introduction of family (not to be confused with the introduction of the presentation)
Content of the observation - provide the facts of the observation (quotes of things said during the observation would be appropriate here)
Processing of the observation - how does your textbook reading provide additional insight into your observations, specifically family systems, triangles, family roles, communication patterns, etc. should be addressed (scholarly references should be included in this section)
Make sure you include a conclusion to wrap everything up nicely.
This presentation should be written in current APA formatting, include aesthetically pleasing graphics and pictures, and a reference slide. The presentation should include at least ten slides of content, not including the cover slide or the reference slide.