Activity Assignment #3: Group Video Analysis: Nature vs. Nurture, occurs in the class after starting Lifespan Development.

The third BGeX activity asks you to take a position on a controversial topic in psychology and to then articulate the rationale you use to justify that position. You will do this activity by watching a video on the role of nature versus the role of nurture in development. Then you will break down into small groups, identify the values that underlie each position, and develop a rationale supporting each view. I have provided an outline of how to organize your worksheet to help you in the activity.

1. Nature

.....a. Basic idea

.....b. List 3 scenes from the video demonstrating or supporting this position on development

.....c. Chief values this view holds toward understanding development.

2. Nurture

.....a. Basic idea

.....b. List 3 scenes from the video demonstrating or supporting this position on development

.....c. Chief values this view holds toward understanding development.

3. Finally: Be sure to indicate whether Harlow's work on contact comfort reflects the nature or the nurture position.

(Note: I may replace this activity with one that concerns the topic of "Futuring." If so, it will also have a small group component. Either alternative will be an in-class activity.)

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