Explain which approach is most effective for understanding the differences between Jane and John, and defend your reasoning.

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Assignment: Comparing and Contrasting Biological and Behaviorist Theories

Do you have a sibling who is the polar opposite of you, or do you know siblings with temperaments that are night and day from each other? Bring to mind those examples. From what you know, how do children grow up in the same environment and yet react to the world so differently? Is that proof of biology as the main influence on temperament, or could other factors be at work as well?

These questions are the focus of your Assignment this week. But rather than draw from your examples, you will consider a case study: Jane and John. They are fraternal twins who have grown up together in the same family, but who have very different temperaments. You will compare and contrast biological and behaviorist theories to understand and explain the differences between Jane and John.

To prepare:

  • Consider these descriptions of Jane and John. Keep in mind they are fraternal twins. Although their age is not given, from their activities they are teens in high school.
    • Jane is very outgoing. She enjoys large gatherings of friends, participates in many extracurricular activities in school, and is a cheerleader and captain of her volleyball team. She loves to travel, meet new people, and experience different cultures.
    • John is a quiet and studious young man. He loves to read and to listen to classical music. He has a small, intimate circle of friends who share the same interests. He is captain of his school’s chess team, and his idea of the perfect sporting event is a chess competition. He is not interested in travel—unless he is going to a chess competition.
  • Review the Learning Resources for Week 5 and consider the similarities, differences, strengths, and limitations of the biological and behaviorist theories of personality.
  • Consider how both biological and behaviorist theories would explain the differences in Jane and John.
  • Consider which approach you agree with more and your reasoning. (Note that you may take the same basic position that you have in the Discussion this week or a different view based on these siblings.)
  • Be sure your analysis applies specifically to Jane and John. Your Assignment should not address siblings in general.
By Day 7

Submit a 2- to 3-page paper that includes the following points:

  • Compare and contrast biological and behaviorist theories by explaining the strengths and limitations of each theory.
  • Apply the behaviorist theory in explaining the differences in the siblings Jane and John.
  • Apply the biological theory in explaining the differences in the siblings Jane and John.
  • Explain which approach is most effective for understanding the differences between Jane and John, and defend your reasoning.

Note: Support the responses within your Assignment with evidence from the assigned Learning Resources. Provide a reference list for resources you used for this Assignment.

Submission and Grading Information

To submit your completed Assignment for review and grading, do the following:

  • Please save your Assignment using the naming convention “WK5Assgn+last name+first initial.(extension)” as the name.
  • Click the Week 5 Assignment Rubric to review the Grading Criteria for the Assignment.
  • Click the Week 5 Assignment link. You will also be able to “View Rubric” for grading criteria from this area.
  • Next, from the Attach File area, click on the Browse My Computer button. Find the document you saved as “WK5Assgn+last name+first initial.(extension)” and click Open.
  • If applicable: From the Plagiarism Tools area, click the checkbox for I agree to submit my paper(s) to the Global Reference Database.
  • Click on the Submit button to complete your submission.
Grading Criteria

To access your rubric:
Week 5 Assignment Rubric

Check Your Assignment Draft for Authenticity

To check your Assignment draft for authenticity:
Submit your Week 5 Assignment draft and review the originality report.

Submit Your Assignment by Day 7

To submit your Assignment:
Week 5 Assignment

Review Kubler-Ross’s stages of dying.  How might these same or similar stages be experienced by grieving loved ones after a person’s death?  Do you think grief can be understood in the context of “stages”?  Why or why not?

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GENDER AND SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT

From your textbook and any other readings on sexual development, briefly discuss both biological and social contributions to the development of sexual identity and development.  Be sure your discussion includes both biological and social aspects of development across the lifespan.  Include  both same-sex and opposite sex identities in your discussion.

Then, provide at least one scripture that supports or forbids same-sex behavior.  It is important to distinguish between attraction and behavior in this part of the discussion.  Do you believe it is a sin to be attracted (tempted) to a person of the same-sex?  Do you believe it is a sin to act on that temptation by practicing homosexual behavior?  Do you believe the attraction is a product of “ nature” (biological) or “nurture” (social) or both?

Note, do not simply discuss what you “think” or “feel”.  Rather give valid bases for your answers.  These can include both scripture and scientific bases.  Just be sure to think critically regarding your sources and the application to your position.

MORAL DEVELOPMENT

Briefly discuss the similarities and differences between Kohlberg’s and Fowler’s stages of moral development.  You may need to go outside your textbook for more information (be sure to cite your sources and include the full reference at the bottom).  Do you believe moral development can be explained in stages such as these?  If so, why?  If not, offer an alternative explanation to moral development across the lifespan.

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT (ATTACHMENT STYLES)

Briefly discuss each of the four Adult Attachment Styles in your textbook (see table 14.1 in Sigelman & Rider 2018, 9th ed.).  You could also use additional sources to consider infant as well as adult attachment styles.  Which one do you think would be fit you and why?  If you prefer not to use yourself as an example, choose any one of the styles and give a hypothetical example of how that interaction might look in “real life”.

FAMILY INFLUENCES AND HUMAN DIFFERENCES

Every person is like every other person.

Every person is like some other person.

Every person is like no other person.

(Adapted from Kluckhohn & Murray, 1948, p. 35)

Take a few moments to consider this poem.  Based on what you have learned in the study of human development across the lifespan, and especially focusing on parenting styles and family issues, how would you apply the three sentiments in the poem to young adult and adult development?  In what ways are each of these lines true of all humans?  How might we use and understanding of these ideas to both improve the development of humans (e.g. child development programs, parent training, etc.), as well as to understand why people are the way they are?  What might this teach us about perspectives of others in regards to race, personality, behaviors, and other differences from a human development perspective?

END OF LIFE ISSUES

Review Kubler-Ross’s stages of dying.  How might these same or similar stages be experienced by grieving loved ones after a person’s death?  Do you think grief can be understood in the context of “stages”?  Why or why not?

How would you use your understanding of lifespan development issues to help comfort those who have lost loved ones, or someone who is nearing death?

Include in your discussion how a view of God and eternity might affect how a person grieves, including different views of hope and hopelessness.

LIFE APPLICATION

Identify one or more primary concepts of development from this course that you believe could most contribute to your development in your career, parenting, self-awareness, and/or life goals.  In what ways might you use the concepts you have learned in this course to help others with their life goals or struggles?  In other words, what have you learned from this course, and how will you apply it to your life and career?

(Note – this Db does NOT require replies to other students and will be graded only on the initial content.  Replies to other student are encouraged, however.  It also does not require the use of sources, however if you do reference specific information from a source, it should be cited,)

Describe this experience as vividly as possible, with plenty of detail and analysis of as many group members (in regards to their contributions to attaining synergy) that you can recall.

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Group Formation

This learning activity is due by Day 7.

Locate and read the article listed for this assignment titled “Groups as Systems.” Zajonc states, “Synergy can take either a physical or a mental form. The physical presence of others is often arousing, so more work is accomplished. Even ants work harder when there is more than one of them on the job” (Henman, n.d., p.2). In the mental sense, synergy forms when a type of collective intelligence and shared memory begin to develop as the group matures.

Reflect on a group experience where you noticed this shift to synergy with your group. (Some ideas: at a human services agency where you work, a different occupation, serving on a committee, a group in college, etc.) Describe this experience as vividly as possible, with plenty of detail and analysis of as many group members (in regards to their contributions to attaining synergy) that you can recall.

This assignment should consist of 350-500 words. You are not required to seek additional sources, but cite and reference the required reading in your work if you have integrated any thought, idea, or quote from the material.

Reference

Henman, L. (n.d.). Groups as systems [PDF file]. Retrieved from http://www.henmanperformancegroup.com/articles/group-systems.pdf

Evaluate the published qualitative research study focusing on and identifying the researcher’s paradigm or worldview and any evidence of reflexivity described in the report.

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  • Research and Critique a Qualitative Study

    Prior to beginning work on this assignment, be sure to have read all the required resources for the week.

    Locate a peer-reviewed qualitative research study in the Ashford University Library on the topic you chose in Week One for your Final Research Proposal. You may choose to use a qualitative study that was included in the literature review you used in the Week One assignment by searching the reference list for qualitative research studies on the topic. It is also acceptable to utilize a qualitative research study on your topic that was not included in your literature review.

    Once you have located an appropriate qualitative study, identify the specific qualitative research design used. Summarize the main points of the study including information on the research question, sampling strategy, research design, data analysis method(s), findings, and conclusion(s). Evaluate the published qualitative research study focusing on and identifying the researcher’s paradigm or worldview and any evidence of reflexivity described in the report. Explain whether or not potential biases were adequately addressed by the researchers. Describe how the researchers applied ethical principles in the research study.

    The Research and Critique a Qualitative Study

    • Must be three to four double-spaced pages in length (not including title and references pages) and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site..
    • Must include a separate title page with the following:
      • Title of paper
      • Student’s name
      • Course name and number
      • Instructor’s name
      • Date submitted
    • Must use at least one peer-reviewed source from the Ashford University Library in addition to those required for this week.
    • Must document all sources in APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
    • Must include a separate references page that is formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
    •  Previous Topic/

    Cognitive Behavioral therapy week one