Description
To conduct observations is an important part of studying human development. Select a subject to watch either (not a family member) at a mall, playground, daycare, school, library, etc. You should observe the subject for at least 30 minutes without interrupting them. Prior to the observation, the subject should not be made aware of your study. Once done, you can disclose the purpose of your project.
Requirement
The subject you select should be between 0-18 years of age. You must follow APA ethical guidelines.
Content
The following points need to be address on your report:
• Demographics. (age, race, sex etc.)
• Appearance. (clothing, approximate height and weight and other defining characteristics)
• Physical Development.
• Cognitive Development. (Piaget’s stages – which one?)
• Emotional and Social Development (Erickson’s stages – which one?)
• Does the child meet the milestones and stages for the physical, cognitive, and social/emotional development?
• Is there anything unusual or “off-development” for this child (deficits as well as giftedness)?
• Your thoughts about the observation.
• Your opinion about what you observed and the application of the theories of development.