Description
Developmental Case Study– Each student is expected to observe and interview an individual and write a paper based on their findings. The interview should be about 30 minutes or more following the observation of the individual in a natural setting. During the interview the student will assess the social, cognitive, socio-emotional, etc., developmental levels and functioning of the individual. The student will also describe the person’s current period of development as well as any developmental milestones, delays or problems experienced during their life span. Please use the guide for the case study below. Please do not use family members for case study
Amendments- if you cannot observe the person via technology the interview can be done via telephone.
Psychological Aspects of Human Development Case Study
Name:
Age:
School grade/Employment:
Marital/Family Status:
Race/Ethnicity:
Gender:
Background Information:
Include any important information on the person’s psychosocial history, including family status, performance at school or work, relationships, etc.
Behavioral observations:
Should include a discussion of your observations of the individual’s functioning, the level of rapport established in the interview, and the individual’s reactions to the interview. Also include any significant behavioral patterns, communication, interactional patterns, and nonverbal behaviors.
Developmental History: Discuss each of the developmental areas:
Language development:
How clearly does the individual express him/herself? (Fluency, articulation, rate of speech, etc)
Cognitive development:
How is or did the person perform in school? Are there subjects that cause difficulty?
Are there subjects that are easy?
Does the person have adequate problem solving skills?
Are they capable of abstract reasoning?
Physical development:
Did the person reach developmental milestones on a timely basis? (crawling, walking, ability to dress oneself, tie shoes, etc.)
How are the individual’s fine and gross motor skills?
Does the person have adequate hand-eye coordination?
Does the person exhibit awkward movements?
At what age did puberty occur?
Social development:
Does the person have friends? A best friend?
Does the person have adequate social skills? (speak when it is his/her turn, respect personal space, listen attentively, etc.)
Can the individual understand the perspective of others? Does she/he have the ability to be empathetic?
Emotional/Personality development:
Does the person have positive self-esteem?
Have they reached or achieved personal goals?
Which particular Erikson task is the individual accomplishing?
Moral development:
How does the person distinguish from right and wrong?
How does the person make difficult decisions?
Which of Kohlberg’s stages does the individual match?
Recommendations and Conclusions:
Discuss and summarize your overall opinion about this person’s development. Also identify recommendations for improvement or developmental growth (including any developmental tasks that may be resolved).
