The goals of this project are:
( (1) to involve the student in active data collection: to design and carry out a case study interview
(2) to provide the student with experience in analyzing case studies
(3) to extend the student’s knowledge of a topic by researching the literature
The project will consist of two phases: one, a case study and two, a research effort designed to help analyze and explain the data. The topic choices are listed below. You will choose one topic and study it in depth. The results of your case study and your discussion of the topic will be written up in formal term paper format (word-processed, footnotes, bibliography). A copy of your case study interview must be included as an appendix to your paper.
PROJECT TOPICS:
EARLY ADULTHOOD FOCUS: The establishment of intimate relationships and childbearing are among the major developmental tasks of this stage of life. In addition, the individual is involved in work/career development and then the maintenance of the intimate (marital, family) relations.
Interview an individual or couple who is in this age range (24-34). Discuss their current life situation with them making sure to touch upon the pertinent developmental tasks and normative crisis. Determine what seems to be the major focus (or “driving force” of their life right now (i.e.: decision to marry, decision to have a baby, decision to delay starting a family in preference of career focus, etc.)
Research the literature on the topic that emerges as the “driving force” for this person or couple in early adulthood. Topics might include exploration of intimate relationships; decision to couple; decision to have children vs. remaining childless; transition to parenthood; adjustments in dual‑earner couples.
Tying the two together: How does the literature help explain some of the issues that surfaced from your case history? Explore the links between attachment formation in infancy, friendship and peer relationships in childhood, dating and sexual exploration in adolescence, and the formation of intimate bonds during adulthood. How well prepared were these young people to participate in intimate relationships?
WRITING THE PAPER:
1. The first section should introduce the subject to the reader and summarize the interview. This section should conclude with a statement of what the “driving force” seems to be for the subject.
2. The second section should be a review of the research that you have done about the “driving force” issue.
3. The last section should discuss/integrate the research review with the interview data.
Paper Mechanics:
1. 1 inch margins all around
2. 12 point plain font, double space.
3. Good grammar, complete sentences, paragraphing and punctuation are important.
4. A minimum of 3 references should be used in addition to your textbook.
5. Proper citation/footnoting must be included. You may use either MLA or APA format as long as you are consistent.
6. Proper bibliography must be included. (Without citations/footnotes and bibliography, a paper is plagiarized and will receive a grade of zero.)
7. In general, the paper should be about 4-6 pages long.
Text book : Newman and Newman, development through life, A psychosocial approach
