Write a research paper (about 8 pages) with an in-depth exploration of a particular developmental theory in one of the following areas: psychosocial theories, cognitive theories, moral development theories, typological theories, or spiritual development influences. The research paper must include at least 20 bibliographical references (2016-2020), including current articles from relevant Higher Education Journals listed in the Research Resources section below, textbooks and other scholarly, research-based books.
The structure of the paper should be organized to include the following basic elements:
1. Brief introduction. No more than one or two paragraphs as thesis statement to transition from the broad world of ideas to the topic/issue of the paper, along with its importance. Move to an examination and analysis of the topic as quickly as possible. In addition, APA style requires a Title Page and an Abstract.
2. Topic discussion with proper subheadings. You should analyze what research says about your topic and organize your ideas into usefully sequenced portions, with meaningful subheadings accurately summarizing each section.
3. Implications. Devote reasonable space (about two pages toward the end of the paper) to the implications of your exploration for administrators and policy makers. What might practitioners or scholar-practitioners do differently, and why, given your analysis?
4. Minimum of 20 references (2016-2020) including current articles from relevant Higher Education Journals listed in the Research Resources section below (References should use APA style).
For more information about the theories this is the TEXTBOOK:
Patton, L. D., Renn, K. A., Guido, F. M. & Quaye, S. J. (2016). Student development in college: Theory, research and practice, 3rd ed. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
