Choose a Life Stage Theory or part of a theory that is presented in your text.

Choose a Life Stage Theory or part of a theory that is presented in your text. Develop a 5-7 page (not including the title page and bibliography or reference page) research paper presenting that theory. Include at least five academic references. Your textbook can be one of your resources but also include journal articles, additional books, and academic or appropriate internet resources.

Include in-text citations and a bibliography or reference page. The sections and questions, listed below are required for your research paper. You are not limited to just the following sections and questions. Feel free to include additional sections and information in your paper. You will be graded on the thorough examination of the theory. Do not just answer questions with one or two words. You will need to elaborate or expand your answers. During the last week of the course, you will be required to submit your research paper to the discussion area for your classmates to read. You are required to include a bibliography or reference page with proper citation format and in-text citations for your resource material. Do not use Wikipedia as a resource or reference. It is not appropriate. Also, do not use Psychology Today. It is a good magazine for the general public but does not provide enough information for a scholarly paper.  If you Wikipedia or Psychology Today, you will not receive credit for any of your references, which will result in lower points for your paper.

RUBRICS FOR RESEARCH PAPER

Sections should include:

Section

Required Information

Introduction: (10 Points)

Introduce the theory and why you choose it.

General Information: (20 points)

Primary and secondary theorists--Why the theory was developed? Did theorist disagree with someone else? Did theorist believe that other theories were incorrect? Did the theorist believe that previous theories did not contain enough information?

Basis of Theory:

(25 points)

Underlying focus of theory. For example: cognitive, psychoanalytic, neo-Freudian, etc. Note: If theory branched from another theory, include a short summary of the relationship between the two. For example, Erikson's theory of psychosocial development began with his involvement of Freud's theory of psychosexual development.

Stages or phases of development:

(20 points)

Outline each of the stages or phases of the theory. Include appropriate ages for each stage or phase, strengths one will acquire, what will happen if person doesn't acquire the appropriate strengths (if applicable), what is the primary goal of each stage?

Summary and Conclusions:

(10 points)

How does theory pertain to your own life? 

Do you agree with the theory and if not why, what does it lack, 

what would you include or remove from the theory? Summarize theory

Bibliography (5 points)

Correct format and number of required references

Spelling, Grammar, Syntax, Format, Correct number of pages (10 points)

Grading Criteria for Research Paper

Clear understanding of the theory

Clear presentation of the theory 

Clear organization of the material 

Carefully written and readable