Assignment 2: Developmental Stage Observation and Paper

This assignment brings developmental theory to life through live observation. You will have the opportunity to practice making service recommendations for a family based on the developmental prognosis of the individual you observe.

Tasks:

Conduct a forty-five- to sixty-minute live observation of a young adult. In addition to conducting an observation, you may also choose to interview the young adult. Keep in mind the following guidelines:

• Only use first names or pseudonyms in your paper.
• Do not observe someone who is related to you.
• Do not attempt to engage in a counseling role; this assignment strictly involves only observing or interviewing.

Write a 3- to 4-page detailed description of the young adult’s physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development. What would developmental theorists say about the cognitive and the psychosocial development of the young adult? In addition, include the following information:

• Date, time, location, and length of observation
• Age, sex, and race or ethnicity
• Defining physical characteristics
• Estimated socioeconomic status (SES)
• Description of interaction with caregivers
• Daily routine
• Description of other relevant behaviors exhibited during observation
• Any other information

Note that SES has a profound impact on development. You can estimate the SES level based on neighborhood, clothing, or automobiles.

Be sure to provide detailed examples and use multiple developmental theories to support your observations. Consider multicontextual influences on development. Also, provide a developmental prognosis and make service recommendations, if needed. Justify your recommendations with information from the textbook, recommended readings, and/or peer-reviewed journal articles.

If you determine no services are needed, provide a justification. For example, if the young adult you observe is not meeting the developmental milestones associated with young adulthood, provide suggestions for services that would promote healthy development.

Note: Do not share a prognosis or service recommendations with the young adult. This information is for class purposes only. Also keep in mind that the more familiar you are with the relevant developmental theory for this age range, the more you will know what is significant during your observation.

Submission Details:

• By Wednesday, April 6, 2016, prepare a 3- to 4-page paper. Your response should rely upon at least two sources from professional literature. This may include the Argosy University online library resources, relevant textbooks, peer-reviewed journal articles, and websites created by professional organizations, agencies, or institutions (.edu, .org, or .gov). Write in a clear, concise, and organized manner; demonstrate ethical scholarship in accurate representation and attribution of sources (i.e., APA format); and use accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Save your paper in a Microsoft Word document with the name M3_A2_LastName_FirstInitial.doc, and upload it to the M3 Assignment 2 Dropbox.

Writing Assignment: Research Proposal Letter

 For this assignment, you will write your research proposal letter. You are required to submit only your final draft for this assignment (though we encourage all students to take advantage of the additional feedback a draft can provide). Use the grader’s feedback and the rubric to make revisions to your draft before submitting the final. Your second draft will be graded. This research proposal letter will be directed to an audience who can create change (Congressperson, business administrators, or other similar audience.) In the proposal, you need to suggest a change or a solution to a current problem. As you have already chosen a topic for your research proposal letter in Topic 6 and conducted an interview that will become one of your sources for this letter, you do not need to choose a topic. You must use the same topic that you began researching in Topic 6, and you must use your interview as a source. Your research proposal should be presented in a letter format including the following information: • Your mailing address (Note: For privacy reasons, you may opt to not disclose your mailing address when you submit your letter to our graders for review; however, should you choose to mail your letter to your chosen recipient, you will need to include your mailing address, as this is a customary business letter practice.) Note that a formal letter does not require your name in the header. Your name will go at the end, with your closing. • The date you wrote the letter • A name and mailing address for the individual to whom you are writing the letter • A greeting or salutation • A closing and your typed name (Note: A written signature is optional for your submission, but should you choose to send your letter, you would need to include your written signature between the closing and your typed name.) Scroll to the end of these instructions for an idea of how you should format this assignment. To organize this information, follow the format included in the course site in the “Assignments” area. For your proposal, follow this organizational framework: For your researched proposal, follow this organizational framework: • Introduction: The Problem Identify the problem, including researched information to explain it fully. You may devote more than one paragraph to describe the problem if needed. To determine the extent of the information you must provide about the problem, consider the letter recipient’s understanding of the problem. • Body: Your Proposal Explain the specifics of your proposal. What are your solutions to solve this problem, step by step? What is the cost? How is this cost incurred? What ideas do you have for funding your proposal? Justify your proposal. How will your proposal solve the problem? Why is this proposal feasible? Concede or refute the counterarguments: Will the letter recipient have certain preconceived ideas about the subject? How can you address these counterarguments without diminishing your argument? Note: You will lose points from the rubric if you do not address the counterargument. • Conclusion: Your Argument Take into consideration your chosen audience and his/her interests. Use persuasive techniques to align your proposal to the audience’s ideals. You may use more than one concluding paragraph if needed. See the end of this document for more specific information about formatting your letter appropriately. You are required to use source information, including ideas you learned from the interview process wherever it will prove your point. In addition to the interview itself, you should have at least two other credible sources, for a total of at least three sources. Note: If you do not meet the source minimum, the rubric will automatically be scored down. Since this is a letter, you will use signal phrases (i.e., “As Fugle describes…”) and omit parenthetical citations (“Fugle”). You must include a Works Cited page for this assignment. Good, informative signal phrases will be important in order to make sure your sources are credited (example: “Fugle, a well-known environmental researcher, explains the problem by…”). As with all college writing, you must include a strong thesis statement and take care to avoid logical fallacies while following the other standards for academic writing. You might use this as a guideline in crafting your thesis: Valley City should (add solution suggestion), which (add how it can be funded) and (add justification), although (add counterargument focus). Here is a more specific example: Valley City should (use its largest abandoned warehouse for a new recreational center to hold before and after-school programs), which (can be conveniently funded by the tax stream that was being used to construct Main Street until this point), and will (provide the final element—housing—in order for local schools to also implement a before-school program(, and although (some community members do not believe before- and after-school programs are necessary(, they should (review the high number of students apprehended by law enforcement during the hours before and after-school programs would operate). The guidelines for this assignment are as follows: Length: This assignment should be at least 500 words. Format: • This assignment has a special format (letter style), so you will not use a typical header • Single-spacing, with a double-space between paragraphs (see below) • Standard 12 point font (Arial, TimesNewRoman, Calibri) • 1” margins on all sides • Save the file using one of the following extensions: .docx, .doc, .rtf, or .txt Since this is a formal letter format, you will not underline your thesis statement. Please scroll to the next page to see a sample letter format. Your own address (or a fake address if you don’t want to reveal this) Spacing: 2 lines Spacing: 2 lines Spacing: 2 lines Spacing: 2 lines Recipient’s name and mailing address Greeting or Salutation, followed by a colon Notice: Paragraphs are not indented Spacing: 2 lines between body paragraphs Spacing: 2 lines Spacing: 4 lines. This is where you signature would go

Please Read Instructions First:   This assignment for discussions questions “does not” require APA style.  I have to post to discussion board for an online class.  I attached an “example format for discussion questions” so you can see how the discussions questions should be formatted and answered.  All work should be original with no plagiarism and in proper English grammar.  The responses should include answering the main discussion questions, fully, including proper cites as well.  If you use citations, I should be able to look it up online to find where you got it from.  (USE ALL AMERICAN PUBLICATIONS, CITATIONS AND RESOURCES FOR THIS ASSIGNMENT!)  The professor requires that the questions be restated and then answered for the discussion questions. I highlighted the questions in “red, bold, italic and underlined” so you would know exactly which ones to restate and answer.  If this is not done, it is his option to deduct formatting points and I could get a “0” for the work.  The more in-depth the information is, the better, as long as you fully answer each set of discussions questions.  Discussion Questions Set 1 can be two pages or less including restating the questions with citations. Discussion Questions Set 2 can be two pages or less including restating the questions with citations.

Discussion Questions Set 1 “Compensation and Government Regulations” Please respond to the following:

•Compare job-based pay with skill-based pay and provide an example of each.  Determine which pay you would prefer. Support your decision.

•Determine how government regulations affect compensation and if the regulations are needed. Support your position with examples.

•Class, there are numerous regulations and laws that impact on compensation and benefits.  Such federal laws include FLSA, ERSIA, EPA, Title VII, ADEA and many others.  These laws do not include the laws that may be passed by State, or local, governments that impact on compensation.  Nor does the list of Federal laws, State or local laws, include the agreements that may be reached through collective bargaining or employment contracts.  Let’s begin with some basic insights to these different regulatory and laws:

a.  Can State, or local law, pass compensation laws that differ from Federal Law, e.g. the FLSA?

b.  Which has precedent, a collective bargaining agreement versus Federal, State or local laws/regulations?

c.  Can a collective bargaining agreement ever agree to pay less than the minimum wage?

d.  What is the difference between regular hours and overtime hours as defined by the FLSA?

Discussion Questions Set 2 “Compensation Packages” Please respond to the following:

•Examine the common elements of compensation packages. Determine which two elements you believe to be the most motivational to an employee and to you. Support your position.

•Compare team and individual bonuses and incentives. Determine which type of bonuses and incentives you would prefer. Support your position with examples.

•Class, when we discuss compensation we must begin with the basic question is the compensation design equitable?  By that I mean does the elements of the compensation design (and elements) meet internal and external equity?  Further, does the compensation design/elements meet the needs of the employees, and motivate them?  Let’s address the equity question.  While equity may mean many things to many people what we in HR are concerned about is how the compensation plan compares to be employees in similar situated positions versus comparing employees in similar situated positions external to the firm.  This is not only referring to base salary, but encompasses such factors as severance, bonuses, retirement plans, benefits and career development.  So, my first question is this, how do you determine and manage internal/external equity?Some, if not all, of us in the class has taken Organizational Behavior, or a similar class.  At some point the class probably discussed theories of motivation, such as Maslow, Herzberg, McClelland, Mayo, or Vroom.  Why is the understanding and application of motivational theory important to HR in designing a compensation system?  

1.    If the price for some good increases by 10% and the quantity demanded falls by 5%, (a) what is the price elasticity of demand, and (b) is this elastic or inelastic?

2.    Last year the US low-cost-carrier Spirit Airlines entered the Dallas-Chicago market. The average ticket price for all airlines servicing the route fell from $200 to $180. After Spirit’s entry, the number of passengers increased from 700 to 800 per day (these number are hypothetical, but reasonable). Calculate the price elasticity of demand between these two points. Show the computation.  

3.    An airline consulting firm as determined that the income elasticity for leisure air travel in China is 1.5. If incomes increase by 5% next year, what is the percentage change in leisure passengers expected next year? Show the computation.

4.    The state operates a toll road which currently charges $1.00 per car with 100,000 cars using the road daily. The state wishes to raise an additional $10,000 per day for road maintenance. A newly hired financial analyst proposes raising the toll to $1.10 per car. The analyst reports to you. Will you accept and forward her recommendation to your boss?    

5.    The demand curve for a product is given by Q^d_x = 1,000 – 2P_x +.02P_z where P_z = $400. (Hint:  If you’re not comfortable with the calculus alternatives, compute Q at the given prices, then again with a 1% increase in price. Then figure percentage change in Q over the percentage change in P, %∆Q/%∆P).

a.    What is the own price elasticity of demand when P_x = $154?  Is the demand elastic or inelastic?  What would happen to the firm’s revenue if it decided to charge a price below $154?

b.    What is the own price elasticity of demand when P_x = $354?  Is the demand elastic or inelastic?  What would happen to the firm’s revenue if it decided to charge a price below $354?

c.     What is the cross-price elasticity of demand between good X and good Z when P_x = $154?  Are good X and good Z substitutes are complements? 

6.    The data are real US Gross Domestic Product (in billions of dollars) and Domestic Revenue Passenger Miles (in millions) for the years 1996 through 2012. Below this table is the MS Excel Summary Output regressing RPMs against GDP. Using MS Excel or another similar application, build a scatter plot and insert the regression line and equation. Next, interpret the regression output and explain the regression statistics. Be certain that the regression coefficients match those in the scatter plot equation. Finally, use the regression equation to predict RPMs for 2013 and 2014 assuming GDP grows by 3% each year from 2012. You may wish to check the actual RPMs to see how closely your estimate matched. Note:  To build a scatter plot in Excel, select and copy the GDP and RPM data into Excel; select the data in Excel, then use Insert/Scatter to create a scatter plot. Finally, scroll down Chart Layout to select the format that creates a regression line and formula. Use the Excel Help function as needed.

“Should regulations regarding the use of cell phones while driving be standardized

Assignment 3: Persuasive Paper Part 1: A Problem Exists  
Due Week 5 and worth 150 points  

Using your thesis statement and research, present the problem that needs to be addressed with your proposed solution. Note: Your solution, advantages, and challenges, will be in Parts 2 and 3.

Write a three to four (3-4) page paper in which you:

1. Provide an appropriate title and an interesting opening paragraph to appeal to your stated audience (appeal with logic, ethics, or emotion). 
2. Include a defensible, relevant thesis statement in the first paragraph. (Revised from Assignment 2)
3. Describe the history and status of the issue and provide an overview of the problem(s) that need to be addressed. This should be one or two (1-2) paragraphs.
4. Explain the first problem (economic, social, political, environmental, complexity, inequity, ethical/moral, etc.) and provide support for your claims. This should be one or two (1-2) paragraphs.
5. Explain the second problem (economic, social, political, environmental, complexity, inequity, ethical/moral, etc.). and provide support for your claims. This should be one or two (1-2) paragraphs.
6. Explain the third problem (economic, social, political, environmental, complexity, inequity, ethical/moral, etc.) and provide support for your claims. This should be one or two (1-2) paragraphs.
7. Provide a concluding paragraph that summarizes the stated problems and promises a solution. 
8. Develop a coherently structured paper with an introduction, body, and conclusion.
9. Use effective transitional words, phrases, and sentences throughout the paper.
10. Support claims with at least three (3) quality, relevant references. Use credible, academic sources available through Strayer University’s Resource Center. Note: Wikipedia and other Websites do not qualify as academic resources.

Your assignment must follow these formatting guidelines:

• Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.
• Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length. 

Note: Submit your assignment to the designated plagiarism program so that you can make revisions before submitting your paper to your professor. 

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:

• Recognize the elements and correct use of a thesis statement. 
• Recognize the use of summary, paraphrasing, and quotation to communicate the main points of a text.
• Analyze the rhetorical strategies of ethos, pathos, logos in writing samples and for incorporation into essays or presentations.
• Prepare a research project that supports an argument with structure and format appropriate to the genre.
• Recognize how to organize ideas with transitional words, phrases, and sentences.
• Incorporate relevant, properly documented sources to substantiate ideas.
• Write clearly and concisely about selected topics using proper writing mechanics.  
• Use technology and information resources to research selected issues for this course. 

Click here to view the grading rubric for this assignment.