Adolescent Observation

Overview: The assignment is designed to help apply and analyze the relative strengths and weaknesses of different theoretical perspectives by studying an adolescent / adolescents in context. You must observe an adolescent depicted in the media (e.g., movie, novel). Please address issues associated with selecting an observation venue, highlighting strengths and limitations of the choice. Required components: • The observation should account for the actions observed or depicted and highlight the role of any other individuals if salient (i.e., data). • In addition, the observation should provide a broad description of the context or parameters of the work (i.e., field notes). • The paper should provide an interpretation from at least three theoretical/theorists’ perspectives noting the relative strengths and weaknesses of each application, particularly as related to course themes (e.g. nature / nurture, socialization). • The paper should conclude an integration of course themes and additional considerations of areas that warrant further consideration. • Accompanying your paper should be a self-assessment outlining your development, relative strengths and challenges in completing the project. Venue selection: Participants should select a venue that is both physically accessible, and as providing entry into aspects of adolescent psychology, behavior and developmental processes of interest to the student. If an observation site is selected that is a formal or informal service context, please identify your goals and explain that your interest is in observing the students (i.e., not evaluating the contexts or the adults or students in them). Please follow up with a note of acknowledgment to thank the facilitating individual(s) for allowing your observation. Additional notes: The paper should be 8-9 pages, double-spaced, not including title page and references. Please feel free to raise questions about the assignment