Media & Development Analysis Project

Media & Development Analysis Project Assignment Overview Television and streaming shows play a powerful role in shaping childrens and adolescent’s understanding of the world through gender roles, social behavior, and relationships. In this project, you will analyze 2 childrens shows (educational and non-educational) and 1 teen show to evaluate how accurately and responsibly these programs align with developmental theories and research in lifespan psychology. Instead of writing a paper, you will create a visual or interactive presentation (e.g., infographic series, slideshow, podcast, Canva, video essay, or virtual poster board) that presents your findings. Objectives Apply lifespan psychology theories (e.g., Piaget, Erikson, Bandura, Vygotsky) to media content. Critically evaluate media for age-appropriate and age-inappropriate developmental messages. Identify potential effects of exposure to media content on children and adolescents. Communicate psychological analysis in a clear, creative, and engaging way. Assignment Instructions 1 Select Programs Choose 2 childrens shows (one educational, one non-educational). Choose 1 teen show (live-action or animated). 2 View and Record Watch 1 full episode of each program. Keep a tally & notes (template provided) of: Aggressive acts (physical or verbal) Gender stereotypes and roles Sexual content and innuendos Other developmental issues (peer pressure, body image, moral lessons, diversity, etc.) 3 Analyze Developmental Relevance For each show, connect your findings to lifespan psychology concepts: Cognitive Development (Piaget: stage of thinking, problem-solving, educational value). Social-Emotional Development (Erikson: identity, autonomy, relationships, role models). Learning & Behavior (Bandura: modeling, reinforcement, observational learning). Cultural and Environmental Influences (messages about race, class, gender, etc.). 4 Create a Final Product Present your findings in a non-paper, creative format (suggestions below): Slideshow (PowerPoint, Google Slides, Canva) with visuals, charts, and key points. Infographic Series (34 connected infographics summarizing findings). Video Essay or Podcast Segment (57 minutes with evidence-based discussion). Virtual Poster Presentation (summarizing findings with visuals, charts, and psychological connections). Infographic Poster Series Design a set of 23 posters that summarize findings (e.g., Gender Roles in Kids TV or Aggression in Teen Drama). Public Service Announcement (PSA) Video Record a short video aimed at parents or teens warning about potential impacts of media. Podcast Episode Record a 510 minute discussion analyzing the shows, formatted as a talk show or expert interview. Your presentation should include 5 parts: 1 A brief description of each program (audience, format, purpose). 2 Data/observations from your viewing (use template provided). 3 Analysis of developmental relevance (see #3 under instructions). 4 A conclusion that evaluates: Whether the program supports or hinders healthy development. Potential positive and negative outcomes for young viewers. Which program you would recommend (or not recommend) and why. 5 Reference page, in APA format, that contains entries for your 3 TV shows, theorist, & any other sources used in your project. Grading Rubric (100 points) Selection of Programs & Observations (20 pts): Clear, detailed, and systematic notes on episodes. Application of Theory (20 pts): Accurate, meaningful use of psychological concepts. Critical Evaluation (20 pts): Analysis of developmental appropriateness. Creativity & Format (10 pts): Engaging, organized, and professional visual/interactive product. Clarity & Accuracy (10 pts): Free of errors, easy to follow, well-supported with evidence. Worksheet (10 pts): Completed worksheet submitted. Reference Page (10 pts): All sources listed in APA format. This assignment will be submitted to TurnitinTM.