As we discuss

This is assessment 2

Write 3–4 pages in which you apply Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory to a problem in human lifespan development.

Suggested Resources

The following optional resources are provided to support you in completing the assessment or to provide a helpful context. For additional resources, refer to the Research Resources and Supplemental Resources in the left navigation menu of your courseroom.

Capella Multimedia

Click the links provided below to view the following multimedia pieces:

• Lifespan Development Theories Crossword Puzzle | Transcript.
• Human Development Theorists | Transcript.
• Using the Tools of Academia | Transcript.

Assessment Instructions

Preparation

Review Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, and locate academic or professional articles that explore the application of this theory.

Requirements

Choose a problem in human lifespan development to use in this assessment. Some examples of problems are:

• The effects of divorce on child development.
• Child abuse and neglect.
• The quality of child care.
• The quality of elder care.
• Obesity rates in the U.S.
• Public policies for children or senior citizens.
• Sex education programs in the schools.
• Other.

Once you have selected your problem, apply Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory. Within your assessment, be sure you include the following elements:

• Provide a brief overview of the problem you have selected and why you chose it.
• For each level of the environment, include the following:
  • A brief explanation of the system and how it influences development.
  • A description of how the system affects the problem.
  • Identify additional factors that can affect the problem.
• Explain how bidirectional relationships between the systems can affect the problem.
• Discuss any weaknesses or flaws in the application of Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory to your chosen topic.

Additional Requirements

• Written communication: Your writing should be free of errors that detract from the overall message and consistent with expectations for members of the psychological professions.
• APA formatting: Format resources and citations according to APA style.
• Resources: Minimum of 2 scholarly or professional resources. Note: Popular resources such as Wikipedia or About.com are not considered to be appropriate.
• Length: 3–4 typed, double-spaced pages not including title page and reference page.
• Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12-point font.

Scoring Guide

CRITERIA NON-PERFORMANCE BASIC PROFICIENT DISTINGUISHED Describe a problem related to human lifespan development.Does not identify a problem related to human lifespan development. Identifies a problem related to human lifespan development. Describes a problem related to human lifespan development. Describes a problem related to human lifespan development and explains how the problem is connected to human lifespan development. Explain how ecological systems influence human development.Does not explain how ecological systems influence human development. Explains how ecological systems influence human development but the explanation omits key elements. Explains how ecological systems influence human development. Analyzes how ecological systems influence human development. Explain how environmental factors within ecological systems may affect a problem related to human lifespan development.Does not explain how environmental factors within ecological systems may affect a problem related to human lifespan development. Explains environmental factors within ecological systems but not how they may affect a problem related to human lifespan development. Explains how environmental factors within ecological systems may affect a problem related to human lifespan development. Analyzes how environmental factors within ecological systems may affect a problem related to human lifespan development. Explain how bidirectional relationships between ecological systems can affect a problem related to human lifespan development.Does not explain how bidirectional relationships between ecological systems can affect a problem related to human lifespan development. Explains bidirectional relationships between ecological systems but does not explain how they can affect a problem related to human lifespan development. Explains how bidirectional relationships between ecological systems can affect a problem related to human lifespan development. Analyzes how bidirectional relationships between ecological systems can affect a problem related to human lifespan development. Examine flaws in the application of theory to a problem in human lifespan development.Does not identify flaws in the application of theory to a problem in human lifespan development. Identifies flaws in the application of theory to a problem in human lifespan development. Examines flaws in the application of theory to a problem in human lifespan development. Examines flaws in the application of theory to a problem in human lifespan development and uses examples to add clarity and insight. Write coherently to support a central idea with correct grammar, usage, and mechanics as expected of a psychology professional.Writing does not support a central idea. Does not use correct grammar, usage, and mechanics as expected of a psychology professional. Writing supports an idea but is inconsistent and contains major errors of grammar, usage, and mechanics. Writing coherently supports a central idea with few errors of grammar, usage, and mechanics. Writing is coherent, using evidence to support a central idea with correct grammar, usage, and mechanics as expected of a psychology professional. Use APA format and style.Does not use APA format and style. Uses APA format and style but inconsistently and with errors. Uses APA format and style consistently and with few errors. Uses correct APA format and style consistently and with no errors.