Analyzing a theory of choice in the psychology of a lifespan milestone.
Prepare a critical essay that summarizes and critiques a theory of choice in the psychology of a lifespan milestone. This assignment is about theory integration and analysis of one’s
personal self., self-needs, and strengths. Students are to assess 4 personal growth stages of cognition,
social, and development. There are three sections in the draft – the “My Story” section, Theory
Integration section, and an Analysis section. The draft should be 2 to 3 double spaced pages with a cover
page and reference page. Developmental milestones are as follows.
Prenatal Development, infancy, and early childhood
School age children and adolescents
Young and middle adults
Late adulthood
The following is just to help you outline the theory section of the draft; you do not need to cover each
point exhaustively:
Present the context of the theory–what is to be explained, why that’s important, and why past
explanations have been less than adequate.
Present the major elements of the theory: the concepts or constructs, the linkages, the empirical
evidence for and against the theory. Try to diagram the theory.
Discuss the adequacy of the theory, both formally (logically) and substantively (explaining
empirical findings)
Give an example of an application of the theory to your own research interests and professional
concerns (or its inadequacy in potential applications).
What more do you need to know to assess the adequacy of the theory? What should the next steps
in theory development be?
Sample Solution
In psychology, there is no one-size-fits all theory when it comes to understanding the lifespan milestones of individuals. However, one prominent model for achieving personal growth during these stages is Jean Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development (Kamii & DeVries 1978). This approach posits that children pass through several distinct cognitive increments as they develop which helps them to better assimilate their environment while also gaining greater control over their own learning processes (Colby 2018).
The first stage in this process involves sensory motor intelligence where infants learn how interact with objects and use basic skills like object permanence in order understand cause-effect relationships (Piaget 1952). This is followed by preoperational thinking wherein youngsters begin exercising more abstract forms of reasoning such as using symbols or language potentially allowing them develop concepts like time or numbers (Fischer & Biddulph 1993). Next up come concrete operations where children begin utilizing systematic logic which then lays foundation for further development towards formal operations later on down line (Hoyenga & Hoyenga 1983).
Overall, Piaget’s model can help provide valuable insight into better comprehending one’s personal self, needs, and strengths during various points life. However, there are a few issues worth noting here particularly since this theory tends only focus upon cognitive aspects development ignoring important social components such as emotional bonds between parent/child or peer interactions which could greatly affect overall growth trajectory during adolescence(Garcia 2019). Therefore if looking for comprehensive view on individual maturation then other approaches should be considered alongside this one.
