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Topical PaperTypically, courses in human development are either arranged chronologically (by life stages) or topically (by areas of development), like this:ChronologicalTopicalPrenatal/BirthPhysical DevelopmentIncluding genetics; growth; brain and motor development; nutrition; senses; sleep; healthInfancy (birth- 12 months)Toddlerhood (ages 1 and 2, or 12- 36 months)Early Childhood (ages 3-6)Cognitive DevelopmentIncluding language, attention, memory, intelligence, processing speed, schooling, expertise Middle Childhood (ages 6-9)AdolescenceEmerging AdulthoodYoung AdulthoodEmotional/Social DevelopmentIncluding: development of the self, gender, morality, religiosity, emotional regulation, peers, families, love, and intimacyMiddle AdulthoodLate AdulthoodDeathOur text is arranged chronologically, so we will revisit each area of development repeatedly, as we focus on each particular stage. Each chapter has sections about physical development, cognitive development, and social and emotional development.Your major project for the class is to investigate a topical area across childhood, tracing some aspect of development through each stage of development, from birth through emerging adulthood. You probably don’t want to go as broad as physical, cognitive, or emotional/social development. Instead, you should narrow your focus to a topic within one of those categories.For instance, within physical development, you might look at motor skill development, brina development, or nutritional needs. Within cognitive development, you might write about development of language and communication skills, Piagetian tasks, or development of attention and memory. If you wanted to explore emotional and social development, you might write about how self-regulation dev

elops, how gender is learned and expressed, or how relationships change as kids grow.I would suggest that you choose a topical area that relates to your career goal.PSY 4125The structure of your paper should follow this format:Introductionclearly define your topic area of developmentState a thesis that is the “big idea” for the paper. When crafting this, think about whatstatement can be made about the particular area of development in this stage.o Example While motor development in the earliest years is acquiring basic abilities, as a child gets older, both gross-motor and fine-motor skills become refined, allowing for more complicated and purposeful movement.BodyEach paragraph should have one topic that is supported by the evidence provided in theparagraph. You may organize this so that each paragraph is about a specific stage, or you may find that more than one paragraph is needed to describe development within a stage.Your paragraphs should transition from one to the next, following a logical structure.ConclusionRather than simply restating your main points, use the conclusion to tell me why thistopic matters, why we should be concerned with this particular area of development atthese particular ages.It could be appropriate to offer some suggestions about promoting healthydevelopment in this area, citing experts.An excellent paper will have the following:4-6 pages in lengthConsistent use of APA formatting (including citations and reference page)At least four cited sources (one should be the textbook, and the others should bearticles, websites, or other books)A solid, logical structure, with smooth transitions between paragraphs and/or sectionso Include introduction, body and conclusion sectionsFreedom from spelling and grammar errors