Choose Your Theory
In the assignment, you will apply at least one cognitive or psychosocial theory to your chosen family member. Possible theory choices include, but are not limited to, the following. Review your textbook for information on these theories.
Ava Washington (Age 9)
- Piaget’s theory of cognitive development.
- Erickson’s psychosocial stages.
Ava is a 9-year-old girl from a large family. She is the youngest child with two older sisters and an older brother. Her brother Tyler is married and has two children of his own. She and her two sisters live with their parents and their great-grandmother. Their grandfather lives across the street.
Ava loves her family but feels left out. She used to be close with Tyler, but that changed when he got married. Her oldest sister, Kyla, ignores her, which is a change from the days when Kyla spent time playing with her when she was much younger. She fights often with her other sister, Emma.
She spends most of her time playing with her friends or on her own. She has close-knit friends; three other girls in her class who live nearby. They often try to get together in the evening and on weekends if their parents will agree to it.
Ava has a collection of stones that she likes to sort by color, size, or texture depending on the day. She has also developed an interest in maps and tries to figure out different routes for her mom to take when they run errands. Google Earth has become a favorite of hers. Her father often asks her to help him find new routes to places.
Ava describes herself:
“I’m pretty smart and do well in school, except in English class. I’m not good there. But I’m really good at math.”
“I’m well-liked by friends, but not everyone likes me.”
“I have good friends; we always help each other.”
“I like horses but not other animals. My friends think that’s a bit weird.”
“I’m pretty flexible, so I want to be in gymnastics, but my parents say they don’t have the time.”
“I’m not as pretty as my sisters; my nose is too big.”
You will also need to find one scholarly article in the Capella library studying the effect of a theoretical concept for the age group of your chosen family member. Below is a list of theoretical concepts you could choose that may be easier to research.
Ava Washington (Age 9)
- Classification industry.
- Inferiority.
- Perspective taking.
Review Brain Development
Along with theory and concepts, you will also consider how the brain is physically developing at the age of your chosen character. Review the appropriate chapters in your textbook.
Review the APA Code of Ethics
You will also consider the appropriate ethics a psychological professional would need to apply to working with your chosen character. Review the APA code of ethics.