In Assignment 3 you are asked to produce a 1500-word academic essay based on the human development topic, in particular attachment theory.
Due: 11 May at 11.55pm
Worth: 30%
In Assignment 3 you are asked to produce a 1500-word academic essay based on the human development topic, in particular attachment theory.
Word Limit: 1200 – 1500 words excluding references (10% leeway allowed)
Format: 1.5 or double spacing (2.0) with your name, student identification number, and course number on the front cover page; name and student identification on subsequent pages in the header. Ensure you have a title for your essay.
Attachment theory applied to “Skin Hunger”
Preparation:
Read the compulsory readings listed below. Make notes on attachment theory from the two readings (Simpson et al., 2021; and Thompson, 2023) and then make notes on the case study (Perry & Szalavitz, 2017).
These can be located in stream by Assessment 3.
Compulsory Readings:
Perry, B. D., & Szalavitz, M. (2017). The boy who was raised as a dog. And other stories from a child Psychiatrist’s notebook. Basic Books. (CHAPTER 4 only, SKIN HUNGER pp. 87-106).
Simpson, J. A., Rholes, W. S., Eller, J., & Paetzold, R. L. (2021). Major principles of attachment theory: Overview, hypotheses, and research ideas. In P. A. M. Van Lange, E. T. Higgins, & A. W. Kruglanski (Eds.), Social Psychology: Handbook of basic principles (3rd ed., pp. 222-239). Guilford Press.
Thompson, R. (2023). Social and personality development in childhood. In R. Biswas-Diener (Eds.)., Noba textbook series: Psychology. Champaign, IL: DEF publishers. http://noba.to/gdqm6zvc
Basic essay instructions:
CHOOSE three principles to focus on for this essay from Simpson et al. (2021).
Simpson et al. (2021) suggest that attachment theory can be understood according to 12 major attachment principles and hypotheses (see Table 12.1, p. 223-224). You must use principle E as one of your principles and then CHOOSE one from A-D and one from F-I. You should now have one principle from those listed between A and D, one compulsory principle, E, and one from those listed between F and I, making three altogether. Some possible combinations would be A/E/G; B/E/F etc.
Aside from introducing attachment theory and the essay plan, you will need to elaborate on your three (3) chosen principles to demonstrate your understanding of these core tenets of attachment theory. Then, you will consider how the characters in the case study, described by Perry and Svalavitz (2006) seem to exemplify these principles and hypotheses.
SUMMARISE your three principles in your own words.
SEARCH for a minimum of TWO (2) additional peer reviewed sources about attachment theory or information of relevance to your discussion from the Massey Library. You could look in the reference list of Simpson et al. (2021) for ideas, authors, etc in relation to attachment theory. The additional sources should help further your understanding of the principles you have chosen and add depth to the discussion.
WRITING your essay: By applying principles of attachment theory, you are attempting to make sense of your case study. You will need an introduction, introducing attachment theory in general and your essay plan. You will need several body paragraphs introducing principles and corresponding paragraphs applying these principles to the case study. Finally, you will need a conclusion summing up your findings and a reference list.
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS and REQUIREMENTS FOR EXCELLENT MARKS
Please note that you do not have to follow this exact structure below, but you do need to ensure your essay flows logically.
Paragraph 1: Introduction to attachment theory, relevance to lifespan etc. For excellent marks you would show how attachment theory is relevant to lifespan development. You would ensure a cohesive thesis statement and provide a very clear essay plan. Your sources (in this and every paragraph) would be accurately cited and these citations would appear in your reference list (see notes for Paragraph 8). For excellent marks you must write succinctly, using appropriate academic tone. This, and each paragraph in your essay must be spell checked and contain very few, if any, spelling or grammatical errors. You must paraphrase research, the chosen principles, and the case study appropriately and use direct quotes insightfully (see the note below on use of quotes). For excellent marks, citations (in-text referencing) must be over 90% accurate. For more information on writing, writing thesis statements, writing an introduction, citing, and referencing go to Massey OWLL Writing concisely – OWLL – Massey University; Writing objectively – OWLL – Massey University; Essay thesis statement – OWLL – Massey University; Essay introduction – OWLL – Massey University
NOTE: If you are dyslexic, or have specific writing difficulties, you may be able to provide an audio file to accompany your written assignment. Please contact your course coordinator/lecturer for more information.
Paragraph 2: Demonstration of understanding of principle 1. Choose one principle from A-D and elaborate on this in your own words. For excellent marks you would explain this principle in your own words, integrating additional sources of information acquired from the Massey University Library. Each paragraph (not just this one) would be very well structured. For a good structure go to Essay body paragraphs – OWLL – Massey University
Paragraph 3: Discuss the relevance/application of this principle to the case study. You goal is to consider how the principle relates to the case-study. For excellent marks you would provide excellent links to the case study and demonstrate an excellent understanding of the applied principle. You would evidence genuine insight into attachment theory through your application of the principle. To achieve this, you must use critical thinking skills. Critical thinking – OWLL – Massey University
Paragraph 4: Principle 2: E (similar to paragraph 2)
Paragraph 5: links to case study (similar to paragraph 3)
Paragraph 6: Principle 3: Chosen from F-I (similar to paragraph 2)
Paragraph 7: links to case study (similar to paragraphs 3 and 5)
Paragraph 8: Conclusion. For excellent marks your conclusion should flow naturally out of what you have previously discussed. Essay conclusion – OWLL – Massey University
Final Page: References. For excellent marks your reference list must be more than 90% accurate.
Quotes vs Paraphrasing: This essay predominately requires you to paraphrase, however it also allows you to use quotes sparingly. WHAT THIS MEANS:
Putting the principles in your own words
Putting research in your own words
Putting the aspects of the case study that you are referring to in your own words.
Quotes from the case study are ONLY permissible if/when there is something that specifically encapsulates the principle you are applying. You can quote ONE sentence like this per principle. Remember to add page numbers to your citation per APA7th.
The most frequently asked questions
How many references do I have to use?
Five (5-8) minimum – 3 core readings and 2-5 extra readings from the library on attachment theory or relevant information
Can I use personal pronouns or personal examples?
No, this is a scholarly piece of writing. Avoid the use of ‘I’, ‘we’, ‘they’. Please do not use personal examples.
Do I have to reference?
Yes, you need to reference using APA 7th. Follow the assignment instructions i.e. 1.5 spacing and indenting for your reference list too. Massey’s IPA interactive tool is very helpful. Note that you need to use a hanging indent. Here is a tutorial for hanging indents in Microsoft Word: (64) How to Create Hanging Indents in Microsoft Word – YouTube
Can I use websites as sources?
No. You must use journal articles and books from the library – peer reviewed sources.
Do I have to read the whole article and understand it?
That depends on your understanding, interests etc. You should at least read the introduction and discussion sections of a journal and then skim over the less relevant sections.
How do I find articles?
Here is a link to a resource that explains how you find information in the library and how to find articles on your topic. You can also reach out to a subject librarian and ask for help.
Marking guide
Essay – applying psychological theory to a case study
Worth: 30%
Due: 11th May 11.55pm
Word Limit: 1200 – 1500 words excluding references (10% leeway allowed)
Format: 1.5 or double spacing (2.0) with your name, student identification number, and course number on the front cover page; name and student identification on subsequent pages in the header. Ensure you have a title for your essay.
Attachment theory applied to “Skin Hunger”
Academic goal – THE PURPOSE OF THIS ESSAY: to gain an understanding of how early close dyadic relationships can continue to impact social and psychological functioning across the lifespan, through applying attachment theory to a case study.
The learning outcomes
Think critically about human behaviour from a psychological perspective.
Be familiar with important psychological research regarding individual differences and social influences on behaviour.
See how psychology may provide valuable insights into human development by considering individual differences and the influence of their sociocultural environment.
Skills addressed
Academic essay writing including language, structure and referencing
Look across the course material and apply this knowledge to a case study
Able to research using the Massey Library for journal articles on a topic and be able to summarise this information
Preparation:
Read the compulsory readings listed below. Make notes on attachment theory from the two readings (Simpson et al., 2021; and Thompson, 2023) and then make notes on the case study (Perry & Szalavitz, 2017).
These can be located in stream by Assessment 3.
Compulsory Readings:
Perry, B. D., & Szalavitz, M. (2017). The boy who was raised as a dog. And other stories from a child Psychiatrist’s notebook. Basic Books. (CHAPTER 4 only, SKIN HUNGER pp. 87-106).
Simpson, J. A., Rholes, W. S., Eller, J., & Paetzold, R. L. (2021). Major principles of attachment theory: Overview, hypotheses, and research ideas. In P. A. M. Van Lange, E. T. Higgins, & A. W. Kruglanski (Eds.), Social Psychology: Handbook of basic principles (3rd ed., pp. 222-239). Guilford Press.
Thompson, R. (2023). Social and personality development in childhood. In R. Biswas-Diener (Eds.)., Noba textbook series: Psychology. Champaign, IL: DEF publishers. http://noba.to/gdqm6zvc
Basic essay instructions:
CHOOSE three principles to focus on for this essay from Simpson et al. (2021).
Simpson et al. (2021) suggest that attachment theory can be understood according to 12 major attachment principles and hypotheses (see Table 12.1, p. 223-224). You must use principle E as one of your principles and then CHOOSE one from A-D and one from F-I. You should now have one principle from those listed between A and D, one compulsory principle, E, and one from those listed between F and I, making three altogether. Some possible combinations would be A/E/G; B/E/F etc.
Aside from introducing attachment theory and the essay plan, you will need to elaborate on your three (3) chosen principles to demonstrate your understanding of these core tenets of attachment theory. Then, you will consider how the characters in the case study, described by Perry and Svalavitz (2006) seem to exemplify these principles and hypotheses.
SUMMARISE your three principles in your own words.
SEARCH for a minimum of TWO (2) additional peer reviewed sources about attachment theory or information of relevance to your discussion from the Massey Library. You could look in the reference list of Simpson et al. (2021) for ideas, authors, etc in relation to attachment theory. The additional sources should help further your understanding of the principles you have chosen and add depth to the discussion.
WRITING your essay: By applying principles of attachment theory, you are attempting to make sense of your case study. You will need an introduction, introducing attachment theory in general and your essay plan. You will need several body paragraphs introducing principles and corresponding paragraphs applying these principles to the case study. Finally, you will need a conclusion summing up your findings and a reference list.
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS and REQUIREMENTS FOR EXCELLENT MARKS
Please note that you do not have to follow this exact structure below, but you do need to ensure your essay flows logically.
Paragraph 1: Introduction to attachment theory, relevance to lifespan etc. For excellent marks you would show how attachment theory is relevant to lifespan development. You would ensure a cohesive thesis statement and provide a very clear essay plan. Your sources (in this and every paragraph) would be accurately cited and these citations would appear in your reference list (see notes for Paragraph 8). For excellent marks you must write succinctly, using appropriate academic tone. This, and each paragraph in your essay must be spell checked and contain very few, if any, spelling or grammatical errors. You must paraphrase research, the chosen principles, and the case study appropriately and use direct quotes insightfully (see the note below on use of quotes). For excellent marks, citations (in-text referencing) must be over 90% accurate. For more information on writing, writing thesis statements, writing an introduction, citing, and referencing go to Massey OWLL Writing concisely – OWLL – Massey University; Writing objectively – OWLL – Massey University; Essay thesis statement – OWLL – Massey University; Essay introduction – OWLL – Massey University
NOTE: If you are dyslexic, or have specific writing difficulties, you may be able to provide an audio file to accompany your written assignment. Please contact your course coordinator/lecturer for more information.
Paragraph 2: Demonstration of understanding of principle 1. Choose one principle from A-D and elaborate on this in your own words. For excellent marks you would explain this principle in your own words, integrating additional sources of information acquired from the Massey University Library. Each paragraph (not just this one) would be very well structured. For a good structure go to Essay body paragraphs – OWLL – Massey University
Paragraph 3: Discuss the relevance/application of this principle to the case study. You goal is to consider how the principle relates to the case-study. For excellent marks you would provide excellent links to the case study and demonstrate an excellent understanding of the applied principle. You would evidence genuine insight into attachment theory through your application of the principle. To achieve this, you must use critical thinking skills. Critical thinking – OWLL – Massey University
Paragraph 4: Principle 2: E (similar to paragraph 2)
Paragraph 5: links to case study (similar to paragraph 3)
Paragraph 6: Principle 3: Chosen from F-I (similar to paragraph 2)
Paragraph 7: links to case study (similar to paragraphs 3 and 5)
Paragraph 8: Conclusion. For excellent marks your conclusion should flow naturally out of what you have previously discussed. Essay conclusion – OWLL – Massey University
Final Page: References. For excellent marks your reference list must be more than 90% accurate.
Quotes vs Paraphrasing: This essay predominately requires you to paraphrase, however it also allows you to use quotes sparingly. WHAT THIS MEANS:
Putting the principles in your own words
Putting research in your own words
Putting the aspects of the case study that you are referring to in your own words.
Quotes from the case study are ONLY permissible if/when there is something that specifically encapsulates the principle you are applying. You can quote ONE sentence like this per principle. Remember to add page numbers to