1) Assignment Brief: Nature vs. Nurture in Human Development
Course: PSY-211 Lifespan Development / PSY-102 Intro Psychology
Assignment Type: Short Essay
Length: 750–1,000 words
Weight: 10–15% of course grade
Assignment Instructions
Write an academic essay examining the relative influence of biological and environmental factors on human development.
Your paper must address:
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A clear explanation of the nature vs. nurture debate
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How genetics influence at least one developmental domain (e.g., intelligence, temperament, mental health)
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How environmental factors influence the same domain
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Use of research evidence to support both perspectives
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A reasoned conclusion explaining which influence appears stronger and why
Use APA format and integrate at least two scholarly sources.
Grading Rubric (40 points)
| Criteria | Excellent Performance |
|---|---|
| Conceptual understanding (10 pts) | Accurately explains both sides of the debate |
| Use of evidence (10 pts) | Integrates research clearly and appropriately |
| Critical thinking (8 pts) | Presents balanced analysis and thoughtful conclusion |
| Organization (7 pts) | Logical structure and clear progression |
| Writing & APA (5 pts) | Professional tone, minimal errors |
Genetic predispositions shape traits such as temperament and cognitive potential, yet environmental input strongly determines how those traits are expressed over time. Parenting style, educational access, and cultural context often amplify or suppress inherited tendencies in measurable ways. Contemporary behavioral genetics research demonstrates that development reflects constant interaction between genes and context rather than a simple either–or debate (Plomin et al., 2018, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-018-0397-1). Effective developmental analysis therefore requires attention to both biological sensitivity and lived experience.
References
Plomin, R., DeFries, J. C., Knopik, V. S., & Neiderhiser, J. M. (2018). Behavioral genetics (7th ed.). Worth.
Plomin, R., Haworth, C. M. A., & Davis, O. S. P. (2018). Common disorders are quantitative traits. Nature Human Behaviour, 2, 362–370. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-018-0397-1
Pepper, G. V., & Nettle, D. (2019). The behavioural constellation of deprivation. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 40, e314. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0140525X1600234X
2) Discussion Brief: Attachment Theory and Relationships
Course: Developmental Psychology
Assignment Type: Discussion Board
Length: 300–500 words + peer responses
Weight: Weekly participation
Assignment Instructions
In this discussion, analyze attachment theory and its impact on emotional development.
Respond to the following:
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Describe Bowlby’s theory of attachment
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Explain Ainsworth’s attachment styles
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Discuss how early attachment patterns can affect adult relationships
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Provide one real-world example (parenting, foster care, romantic relationships, etc.)
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Respond substantively to at least one peer
Posts should demonstrate critical thinking and clear application of theory.
Grading Rubric (25 points)
| Criteria | Excellent Performance |
|---|---|
| Accuracy of theory (8 pts) | Bowlby and Ainsworth explained correctly |
| Application (7 pts) | Clear and relevant real-world example |
| Depth of thought (6 pts) | Goes beyond summary to show insight |
| Writing clarity (4 pts) | Organized, readable, professional |
Secure attachment develops when caregivers respond consistently and sensitively, which supports emotional regulation and interpersonal trust across the lifespan. Insecure patterns often emerge when caregiving is unpredictable, and these patterns can shape expectations in later friendships and romantic relationships. Longitudinal evidence confirms that early attachment quality predicts social competence and emotional adjustment well into adulthood (Groh et al., 2019, https://doi.org/10.1037/bul0000199). Healthy development therefore benefits from early relational stability rather than mere physical provision.
References
Groh, A. M., Fearon, R. M. P., van IJzendoorn, M. H., Bakermans-Kranenburg, M. J., & Roisman, G. I. (2019). Attachment in the early life course. Psychological Bulletin, 145(2), 152–183. https://doi.org/10.1037/bul0000199
Thompson, R. A. (2021). Early attachment and later development. Developmental Psychology, 57(1), 29–43. https://doi.org/10.1037/dev0001143
Raby, K. L., Roisman, G. I., & Fraley, R. C. (2020). The enduring predictive significance of early maternal sensitivity. Child Development, 91(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.13186
3) Assignment Brief: Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages and Identity
Course: PSY-255 Human Development
Assignment Type: Analytical Essay
Length: 1,000–1,200 words
Assignment Instructions
Write an essay analyzing Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development with a focus on identity formation during adolescence.
Your essay must include:
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Overview of Erikson’s eight stages
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Detailed explanation of the stage Identity vs. Role Confusion
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Analysis of how family, peers, and culture influence identity development
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Application to a real or hypothetical adolescent case
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Reflection on how unresolved identity issues can affect adulthood
Support your arguments with scholarly sources.
Grading Rubric (50 points)
| Criteria | Excellent Performance |
|---|---|
| Theory explanation (15 pts) | Erikson’s model explained clearly |
| Application (12 pts) | Strong case analysis linked to theory |
| Depth of analysis (10 pts) | Demonstrates critical engagement |
| Structure and flow (8 pts) | Logical organization |
| Writing & referencing (5 pts) | Clear writing and correct formatting |
Adolescents form identity through experimentation with values, roles, and social belonging, especially within peer and cultural contexts. Confusion emerges when exploration is constrained or when external expectations override personal agency. Empirical research confirms that successful identity formation predicts stronger mental health and life satisfaction in adulthood (Kroger et al., 2020). Developmental support therefore requires environments that permit reflection rather than premature closure.
References
Kroger, J., Martinussen, M., & Marcia, J. E. (2020). Identity status change during adolescence and young adulthood. Journal of Adolescence, 83, 44–58. https://doi.org/10.1080/15283488.2020.1737244
McLean, K. C., & Syed, M. (2018). The Oxford handbook of identity development. Oxford University Press.
Schwartz, S. J., Luyckx, K., & Vignoles, V. L. (2018). Handbook of identity theory and research (2nd ed.). Springer.
4) Assignment Brief: Adolescent Development and Social Media
Course: Developmental Psychology
Assignment Type: Discussion Post
Length: 400–600 words
Assignment Instructions
Adolescence is a period of rapid psychological and social change. Analyze the role of social media in adolescent development.
Your post should:
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Describe one developmental challenge common in adolescence
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Explain how social media can positively affect development
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Explain how social media can negatively affect development
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Connect your discussion to at least one developmental theory (Erikson, Bandura, etc.)
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Offer one evidence-informed suggestion for supporting healthy adolescent development
Grading Rubric (30 points)
| Criteria | Excellent Performance |
|---|---|
| Connection to theory (10 pts) | Theory applied accurately |
| Depth of discussion (8 pts) | Balanced and thoughtful analysis |
| Real-world relevance (6 pts) | Clear, practical examples |
| Writing quality (6 pts) | Clear, structured, academic tone |
Social media intensifies identity exploration because adolescents receive constant feedback on appearance, opinions, and belonging. Positive effects appear when platforms support connection and self-expression, yet comparison and validation-seeking often increase anxiety and depressive symptoms. Large-scale evidence indicates that heavy social media use correlates with poorer psychological well-being in adolescents (Twenge et al., 2018, https://doi.org/10.1093/joc/jqy021). Developmental guidance therefore requires intentional digital literacy rather than simple restriction.
References
Twenge, J. M., Martin, G. N., & Campbell, W. K. (2018). Decreases in psychological well-being among American adolescents after 2012. Journal of Communication, 68(2), 377–397. https://doi.org/10.1093/joc/jqy021
Odgers, C. L., & Jensen, M. R. (2020). Annual Research Review: Adolescent mental health in the digital age. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 61(3), 336–348. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.13190
Orben, A., & Przybylski, A. K. (2019). The association between adolescent well-being and digital technology use. Nature Human Behaviour, 3, 173–182. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-018-0506-1
5) Assignment Brief: Lifespan Case Study Analysis
Course: PSY-201 Development Across the Lifespan
Assignment Type: Case Study Paper
Length: 1,200–1,500 words
Assignment Instructions
Analyze a developmental case study using major theories from lifespan psychology.
Students will be provided with a fictional case describing an individual’s development across childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.
Your paper must:
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Identify key developmental challenges at each life stage
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Apply at least two theories (e.g., Erikson, Piaget, attachment theory)
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Analyze how family, culture, and environment shaped development
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Discuss potential long-term outcomes
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Offer evidence-based recommendations for support or intervention
Use APA format and a minimum of three scholarly sources.
Grading Rubric (60 points)
| Criteria | Excellent Performance |
|---|---|
| Theoretical application (20 pts) | Theories applied accurately and meaningfully |
| Case analysis (15 pts) | Insightful interpretation of development |
| Use of evidence (10 pts) | Research integrated effectively |
| Organization and coherence (10 pts) | Clear structure and strong flow |
| Writing mechanics (5 pts) | Professional academic writing |
Developmental outcomes emerge from the interaction of individual traits, family context, and cultural expectations across each life stage. Applying Erikson’s psychosocial theory clarifies how unresolved conflicts in early childhood can resurface as relational difficulties in adulthood. Contemporary lifespan research shows that development remains plastic across adulthood rather than fixed after adolescence (Baltes et al., 2020, https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108556683). Effective intervention therefore depends on recognizing both early vulnerability and later capacity for change.
References
Baltes, P. B., Lindenberger, U., & Staudinger, U. M. (2020). Life span theory in developmental psychology. In R. M. Lerner (Ed.), Handbook of child psychology and developmental science (7th ed.). Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108556683
Lerner, R. M. (2018). Concepts and theories of human development (4th ed.). Routledge.
Shanahan, M. J., Mortimer, J. T., & Kirkpatrick Johnson, M. (2019). Handbook of the life course (Vol. 2). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-20880-0
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