Disc1Unit1

Approaches to Lifespan Development

Preparation

If you have not already done so, complete the studies for this unit. The second study asked you to choose one of the following influential themes in lifespan development theory and read a scholarly resource (journal article or book chapter) that addresses it:

Nature versus nurture.

Critical periods and plasticity.

Continuity and discontinuity.

Universality and specificity.

Qualitative and quantitative change.

Activity and passivity.

Instructions

For your initial discussion post, address the following:

Clearly summarize the theme you chose and the main issues, oppositions, or controversies in differing approaches to it.

What are the similarities and differences in the contrasting approaches?

Are these approaches appropriate in light of what the researcher seeks to understand or predict? Why or why not?

Describe specific lifespan development theories that are associated with the theme you analyzed.

Evaluate to what extent the scholarly article you used in your analysis met the criteria for credibility, using an appropriate combination of these criteria:

Detailed and clear information.

Accuracy of information.

Support of conclusions.

Relevancy to the field.

Credibility of author or authors.

Publication date (timeliness or current relevancy).