Ch 2: Models of Development: Nature and Nurture in Adulthood

Nature and Nurture. How is each adult influenced by both genes and the environment? Explain your view, citing research from the text to support your conclusions. Give an example from your own personal experience that illustrates how both biology (genes) and sociocultural influences (environment) have shaped the personality of an adult you know (use a pseudonym).

Psychological Models of Development. What were your experiences with identity development? What part did cognitive development (see Piaget's Cognitive-Developmental Theory) have to play? What about Sociocultural influences? Where are you now with respect to your psychosocial development? (See article.)

Selection, Optimization, and Compensation. Apply the S-O-C model described in your text (and further described in the article) to an adult you know who has exceptionalities, developmental challenges, or an injury/disability. (You may use yourself or another person as an example, using a pseudonym.) Explain how each of the S-O-C processes are used by this adult to sustain engagement in an important activity or goal.