Group items tagged

Title:Perry's Cognitive Theory of Student Development Author:University of Texas Dallas, Office of Undergraduate Education Date Published: April 25, 2008 Why Relevant and Summary: William Perry's cognitive theory of student development examines nine positions tracing the evolution of traditionally aged students' thinking about the nature of knowledge, truth and values, and meaning of life and responsibilities. How This Influenced My Thinking: Credibility of Source: Found on a University site

Title: Perry's Cognitive Theory of Student Development Author: No author. Date Published: April 25, 2008 Why Relevant and Summary: Explains how William Perry's theory of cognitive development focuses on "the nature of knowledge, truth and values, and the meaning of life and responsibilities... he lists steps by which students move from a simplistic, categorical view of the world to a realization of the contingent nature of knowledge, relative values, and the formation and affirmation of one's own commitments. How This Influenced My Thinking: It gave me a better understanding of the motivators behind value and decision formation; relative to my own formation of values and my own making of decisions. Credibility of Source: Unsure of credibility; references the University of Texas at Dallas.

Title: Caregiving Support & Help: Tips for Making Family Caregiving Easier Date: last update April 2013 Author: Melinda Smith, M.A. and Jeanne Segal, Ph.D. Why relevant and summary: This was a very interesting article that outlined some of the challenges of being a caregiver and how to handle the situation. Some of the tips where practical like, exercise, eat healthy or get enough sleep to more specific which had to do with how to handle the emotional burden of the situation. How has this influenced my thinking: This article was very interesting for me, because I currently support my parents, even though they are in good health and able to take care of themselves, still some of the issues outline in the article apply to my situation as well. Source credibility: The article was publish on a government website and the authors are medical professionals.

Title: Becoming 'parent of your parent' an emotionally wrenching process Author: Mindy Fetterman, USA TODAY Date Published: February 1, 2008 Why Relevant and Summary: This article is relevant to the topic of caring for an elderly parent as the experiences that one may have when caring for an elderly parent are discussed throughout this article. This article has a real life perspective of people going through the motions of caring for and making decisions for their elderly parents. Times of caring for the parents were described in depth from the perspective of the adult caregiver. This article gives a great outlook on the emotional roller coaster that the adult caregiver goes on and how this affects her deeply. How This Influenced My Thinking: This article made me really think about how difficult it would be to care for an elderly adult that is affected by dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Having to make the decision to put your parent in a home that offers better care than you can must be a devastating heart wrenching decision that must be made . Credibility of Source: no

­Title: Discovery Health "Critiques of the Disengagement Theory of Aging" Author: Cristen Conger Date: n.d. Summary and Why Relevant: Soon after the publication of "Growing Old," sociologists developed other models of aging that contradicted disengagement. Two resulting theories of aging offer a softer outlook on the transition from able adult to dependent senior. Both assert that the elderly remain a viable part of society until death, and that society places value in the role of seniors. How This Influenced My Thinking: I now understand more fully the three main theories of aging. Credibility of Source: Pretty credible - author included

Title: Critiques of the Disengagement Theory of Aging Author: Cristen Conger Date Published: no date available Summary and Why relevant: This article explains how Disengagement theory came about as well as brief descriptions of contradicting theories (Activity theory and Continuity theory) Credibility of source: pretty credible, supports other sources found. 

Title: Future Identities: Changing Identities in the UK - the next 10 years Author: Nicole Ellison Date Published: January 2013 Why Relevant & Summary: This paper gives a thorough and detailed review of how social media is continuing to influence personal identity and the concept of self. Its focus on social and psychological impact, show how the influence of social media is effecting and changing our culture and sense of self. Current data of emerging trends, is stated clearly, logically, and within the standards of psychological research. A handy table of contents allows the reader to explore varying and related sub-topics with ease. How this influenced my thinking: This paper presents many terms which are relevant to this topic, but of which I was previously unaware of. The writer cites other published articles dealing with this new phenomenon. Credibility of Source: Highly credible due to publishing by the UK's Government Office For Science, cited credible resources, and recent data

Title: Researching cause and effect Author: Lance Jones Date published: Jan 15th, 2012 Why is this relevant: This power point is relevant because it gives you many recources that would help someone understand what cause and effect is. For example, it provides you with background information on it, states the 3 main characteristics of it, on top of providing you with many examples that really help your understanding of the topic. The slide is very user-friendly and easy to understand. It even provides synonyms for words in case you don't understand. How this influenced my thinking: It has influenced my thinking in a couple ways. One, i never knew there were so many aspects to cause and effect. There are two variables that must be related, two sides to the correlation, and the cause must come before the effect and not vise versa. Two, it really helped me understand why a person would use the cause and effect method, and also why it might not be the best method for some types of studies. Credibility of source: Although id like to think this comes from a very credible source, there is not really anything on the site that indicates it is....

Title: Bronfenbrenner Ecological Theory Author: Yukti Ahuja Date Published: No date listed, but it was written after 2005 because that was the date on several of the sources listed in the paper Why Relevant: It talks about how we can use Bronfenbrenner's theory to look at how we are raising children in today's world where parents may be busier and have less time to be involved in their children's lives. This lack of contact greatly affects a child's microsystem How this influenced my thinking: It made me think about the changes that have happened over the last few decades and how they have affected the lives of children that are being born in today's world. Credibility: Not sure about the credibility, there was no specific publisher listed, but the paper was well written, thoughtful and contained good sources in it.

Title: Bronfenbrenner Ecological Theory Author: Yukti Ahuja Date published: n.d. Why relevant and summary: covers the systems in Bronfenbrenner's ecological model along with giving examples. How it changed my thinking: opened my eyes to how children are growing up today Credibility: fairly credible

Title: Nature vs. Nurture Revisited Author: Kevin Davies Date Published: 04.17.01 Why Relevant and Summary: We are studying this concept this week and it is the focus of our short critical thinking essay. It is a great article about the findings of the Human Genome Project that analyzes and lists the reason why we should take very seriously the role of environment into human development. How This Influenced My Thinking: It has given me a different perspective on how I see disease, illness and good health. Credibility of Source: It is published on NOVA, and the author is a doctor of genetics.

Title: Height Hopes A new study identifies potential height genes Author: No authors are listed Date Published: also unlisted, but it was written sometime after 2007 because that was the date of one the references used in the article. Why Relevant: The article talks about how height is based on your genes as well as you your environment. It mentions twin studies as well as talking about how scientists are trying to determine which genes are responsible for determining height. How This Influenced My Thinking: The article had some great information about twin studies and how they have been used to look at how much your height is a genetic factor. Credibility of Source: Decent, The website is put out through a museum that is associated with the University of Stanford. But since there isn't a date, or author it lowers the credibility of the source.

Title:The Genetic Basis of Complex Human Behaviors Author:Robert Plomin, Michael J. Owne, Peter McGufin Date Published:June 17, 1994 Why Relevant and Summary: Because the article gives and in depth look the importance of genetic factors in many complex dimensions and disorders of human behavior. How This Influenced my thinking? : it has made me more aware of the importance of both the genetic and environmental influences on mental health.

Title: Exclusive Breastfeeding for 6 Months Best for Babies Everywhere Author: No Author (World Health Organization) Date Published: 15 January 2001 Why Relevant and Summary: This statement from the WHO recommends that babies be exclusively breastfed for 6 months (no supplementation) based on the evidence from a recent 2009 study. The WHO also recommends that infants/toddlers continue to be breastfed for two years or more. The statement also covers some of the benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and baby. How This Influenced My Thinking: Breastfeeding long term is biologically normal, but not socially normal. The more we see the benefits and see mothers continuing to breastfeed, the more socially normal it will become. Credibility of Source: The World Health Organization is credible and bases it's statements off of research findings.

Title: Using Toys to Support Infant-Toddler Learning and Development Author: Gabriel Guyton Date Published: September 2011 Why Relevant and Summary: This article discusses how caregivers can select and even make (using random household materials) age appropriate toys to support and enhance cognitive development. The author encourages finding toys that support development across all domains - cognitive development, fine motor, gross motor, language, etc. How this influenced my thinking: When I first sat down to right the short critical thinking assignment on cognition and toys, it did not even occur to me to write about home-made toys such as a simple first puzzle made out of a muffin tin and some small objects, yet in reality, things found around the house make some of the best toys - ones that really engage babies and toddlers and are truly beneficial to child development. Credibility of source: This article is from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), thus seems highly credible.

Title: Using Toys to Support Infant-Toddler Learning and Development Author:Gabriel Guyton Date Published: September 2011 Why Relevant and Summary: This article shares about toys useful to child development, along with presenting a graph showing what toys are most appropriate and beneficial at each age. How This Influenced My Thinking: This article gave clear and concise information as to what development is occurring and at what age. Credibility of Source: 7- Published by the credible agency, NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children)

Title: Peer Relations in Middle Childhood Author: Blume & Zembar Date: n.d. Why Relevant and Summary: This article explains how friendship is important in middle childhood. Whether or not someone likes you or dislikes you can really make or break a person. Friends provide all the needs the one self can use at that time and in the future. For one of them being a need for survival because in middle childhood friendship is based on people liking you which then determines their popularity status. Also discussed in this article is the individual need for success, power, status, approval, autonomy, and etc. It also expresses the concerns of rejection in children at this age and it affects them. How this influenced my thinking: This helped my understanding of why it is important for us to connect with others and increase our social skills. I have found a new understanding of the word friendship from this article. Credibility: Seems credible because they cited quotes.

Title: Peer Relations in Middle Childhood Author: By L.B. Blume|M.J. Zembar Date Published: 2007 Why relevant and summary: great information on research and finding of socialization patterns- shows a strong correlation between playground play and future choices in adult relationships. The habit forming patters of socialization developed at an early age impact how we relate to people as we become older. How this influenced my thinking: I was not aware how big of an impact peer relations/friendships in middle childhood had on adults. Credibility of source: seems very credible. On bottom of article states reference: Excerpt from Middle Childhood to Middle Adolescence: Development from Ages 8 to 18, by L.B. Blume, M.J. Zembar, 2007 edition, p. 178-183.

Title: How Does Religion Affect the Lives of Adolescents? Date: 11-30-2005 Author: Jennifer Elliot Summary and why important: This was an excellent article about religion and adolescence. It was well written, had great sources, it taped onto this issue from all the sides. It talked about the media's influence, how recent religious scandal might or have affected faith in our young generation and it explained that religion is one of the factors that influences adolescents to make the right choices and not the only one. How it has change my thinking: I liked this article because it seemed impartial, it did not glorify or vilify those who practice religion and those who do not. It was realistic, it explained some great concepts, and everything was backed by research. Credibility: the author has a BS in Mass Communication, a BS in Psychology and is a Certified Mental Health Technician. This article was published on yahoo! voices which is a great website with a good reputation.

Title: World Views and Religion Date Published: April 9, 2009 Author: Newton Fortuin Summary and Why Relevant: The reason as to why this is relevant is because it talks about religion and the world view on religion. I myself am fascinated with religion, I am fascinated at the different types of religions that exist and the different faiths that people have and put into their religion, creator, and God. It still amazes me that the world is still spinning with so many conflicts with each religion. How This Influenced My Thinking: it made me realize that I am not the only one that is fascinated with religion and that is intrigued with the fact that people go crazy over who's religion is "right" or "better" Credibility: From Open Salon a viewed Blog that users from around the world post and comment.

Title: World Views and Religion Author: M. Scott Pecks Date: APRIL 9, 2009 Why Relevant and Summary: It talks about how everyone has a religion and what determines a persons particular worldview How This Influenced My Thinking: It didn't influence my thinking Credibility of Source: Somewhat credible

Title: The signs of a heart attack in women over 50 date: 01/05/2010 author: Sherril Steel-Carlin Why relevant and summary: This was a short article articulating what women over 50 should know to prevent a heart attack or get help as soon as they feel the first signs. In the recent disease heart attack are the number one killer of women and most of them can be prevented if we recognize the early symptoms. how has this influenced my thinking: Even though I am not quite that old, I do have an aging mother and mother in law, this is something that they need to be aware and my husband and I as well. Credibility: the article is published in a health and wellness online magazine, and even though the author is not a doctor, I am pretty sure she got her information for credible sources.

Title: Caregiver Lives Rerouted Yet Enriched By Aging Parents Author: Sarah LeTrent Date Published: December 11, 2012 Why Relevant and Summary: Provides actual accounts of experiences with caregiving for older relatives/parents. Identifies all the hassles that can come with taking on the responsibility but also recognizes all the rewards and the enriching, meaningful experience it can be. How This Influenced My Thinking: It forced me to look at the situation--caregiving for an elderly parent/parents-- from both perspectives. I was able to understand how it affects both the children and the parents and able to understand the pros and cons. Credibility of Source: CNN News-- pretty credible.

Title: Handbook of Adolescent Psychology (4th ed.) Author: Laurence Steinberg, PhD Date Published: Copyright 1999-2012 Why Relevant and Summary: Discusses theory of identity formation. This is a photocopy from a book that someone put on the web. The url provides 29 pages. I found page 3-4 to be the most relevant for the assignment because those pages compare Erikson's and Marcia's theories in a way that was new to me. The other pages were interesting and went into depth, but pages 3-4 were most helpful and straight to the point after having already read about identity formation in our class textbook. How This Influenced My Thinking: It compares the differences between Erikson's and Marcia's theories on identity formation (starting on the 3rd page). Credibility of Source: High.

Title: Bring up BABIES: Director Thomas Balmes and producer Alain Chabat talk Author: Nick Dawsom Date published: March 16, 2010 (movie BABIES released May 7, 2010) Why Relevant and Summary: This beautiful film is relevant to the development of children globally in that it artistically represents the similarity and differences in the first year of life. Four children are followed from birth to their first birthday: Ponijao in Opuwo, Nambia, Mari in Tokyo, Japan, Bagar in Bayanchandmani, Mongolia, and Hattie in San Francisco, California. Some is a challenge to watch, as for us some of the parenting habits are unfamiliar to our culture, while many moments are funny and beautiful. I encourage you to watch the movie, and have linked specifically to this article so that you can also read about the director and producers' thoughts on the film. Credibility of source: Very credible.

Title: Nature Vs. Nurture: Are we Really Born That Way? Author: Kimberly Powell Date published: N.D. Why Relevant and Summary: In this article she clearly explains the topic of nature vs. nurture and goes into how it is still undetermined if our genes play a role in our personality. How it influenced my thinking: It made me wonder if my personality trait that are similar to my parents came from them genetically or if it is similar because that is what i grew up around. Credibility of source: This article seems somewhat credible, though i didn't see any references.

Title: Nature vs. Nurture Are We Really Born That Way? Author: Kimberly Powell Date Published: February 2, 2013 Why Relevant and Summary: This article is relevant because it explains clearly what the difference between nature and nurture. This article talks about how scientist fight over how much of who we are is shaped by genes and how much by the environment. How This Influenced My Thinking: It influenced me thinking by explaining to me how nature and nurture do play a big role in human development Credibility of Source: This source seems credible

Title: Nature vs. Nurture: Are we really born that way? Author: Kimberly Powell Date Published: 2013 Why Relevant and Summary: This article gives a great overview of this debate and gives historical information as well. How This Influenced My Thinking: This influenced my thinking regarding certain controversial attributes that are involved in this debate such as morality and sexual orientation. Credibility of Source: medium. informational website but not a credible author.