Research paper Topic: Infancy & Toddlerhood

Research paper

Topic: Infancy & Toddlerhood

Introduction

-1: Physical & Brain Development

Focus: Growth + nervous system foundation

–2: Sleep, Safety & Reflexes

Focus: Survival, protection, early functioning

–3: Motor & Sensory Development

Focus: Movement and perception

-4: Cognitive & Language Development

Focus: Thinking and communication

–5: Psychosocial Development & Attachment

Focus: Emotional and social foundations

-Conclusion and recommendations

Assignment Overview

This group paper serves as a preparatory academic draft for the Week 14 Group

Presentation in PSY 201. Its purpose is to ensure that each group engages meaningfully with

developmental psychology content prior to presenting to the class.

Through this assignment, groups are expected to:

Demonstrate an accurate understanding of an assigned developmental stage across

the lifespan

Apply core developmental psychology concepts covered in PSY 201

Connect developmental principles to real-world and nursing-relevant contexts

Prepare to explain and discuss the topic clearly with peers

This paper is not a formal research manuscript and is not graded as a major written

assignment. However, it is a required component of the course and will be used to assess

preparation, participation, and readiness for the group presentation.

2. Assigned Developmental Stage

Clearly identify:

The assigned developmental stage

The approximate age range

A brief explanation of why this stage is significant within the human lifespan

Include one concise statement explaining the relevance of this stage to nursing or

healthcare settings.

3. Developmental Domains

Describe how development occurs during this stage across the following domains. Each domain

should be addressed in clear paragraph form.

A. Physical / Biological Development: Key physical or biological changes typical of this stage.

B. Cognitive Development: Changes in thinking, learning, reasoning, or decision-making.

C. Social and Emotional Development: Patterns of emotional regulation, relationships, and

social roles.

D. Psychosocial / Identity Development: Major psychosocial tasks such as identity, autonomy,

independence, or role transitions.

Focus on normative developmental patterns, not diagnoses.

4. Developmental Theories (Application)

Identify two to three relevant developmental theories and explain:

The central idea of each theory

How the theory helps explain development during this stage

The emphasis should be on application to development, not memorization of theorists or

definitions.

5. Real-World and Nursing Applications

Explain how understanding this developmental stage applies to everyday life and nursing

practice. Your discussion should address:

Real-world examples (family, education, work, social settings)

Nursing-relevant considerations such as communication, patient education, emotional

responses to care, and family involvement

Clearly explain why developmental knowledge improves patient care and professional

judgment.

6. Developmental Challenges and Influencing Factors

Discuss common, developmentally appropriate challenges associated with this stage and

examine how development is influenced by:

Environmental factors (family, school/work, access to resources)

Cultural and social factors (norms, roles, expectations)

Contextual factors (stress, transitions, social support)

Conclude by explaining why awareness of these influences is important in nursing and

healthcare practice.

7. Summary and Key Takeaways

Provide a concise synthesis of:

The most important developmental concepts related to this stage

Why these concepts are relevant for nursing and healthcare professionals

This section should integrate ideas rather than repeat earlier content.