Life Span Development Project 1 (due February 19) Project Description. In this project you will read and analyze one journal article from the choices below.  The five articles are:

Imbimbo, P. V. (1995)  Sex differences in the identity formation of college students from divorced families.  Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 24(6), 745-761.

Niedzwienska, A. (2003).  Gender differences in vivid memory.      Sex Roles,49 (7/8), 321-331.

Ogletree, S.,  Denton, L. & Winkle Williams, S. (1993) Age and gender differences in children’s halloween costumes.  The Journal of Psychology, 127 (6), 1-5.

Pine, K. & Nash, A. (2003)  Barbie or Betty? preschool children's preference for branded products and evidence for gender-linked differences. Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, 24,1-9..

Thompson, T. L.,  Robinson, J. D., & Kenny, R. W.. (2003)  Gender differences in family communication about organ donation. Sex Roles: A Journal of Research, 49, 1-12.

Analysis.  You will have to read your article several times before attempting this section of the project.  Do not hesitate to ask for help.  This is especially true if you do not understand what you have read or what was discussed in class.  You never lose points for asking a question but will fail to earn points if you don't understand the psychological concepts you are discussing in your paper.  Your analysis should include the following information about the article.  You will earn more points if you explain each of these points.  Listing single words or short responses will few points on this assignment.

• Purpose of the study, research question(s) and hypothesis(es).
• Type of research method (naturalistic or manipulative)
• Variables (independent and dependent or correlated pairs of variables)
• Control groups
• Method of data collection (how did they do the study?)
• Results (use your own words...don't use statistical terms you don't understand)
• What was known by previous researchers and what did this study add to that knowledge?
• Were there are potential flaws or ethical problems?
• How could the study be improved?
• What other variables could be investigated in this research area.

Format. Your project must be typed with double-spaced lines. The margins (top, bottom, left and right) should be no larger than 1-inch and the font size no larger than 12 point. This format is standard for college-level work. Staple or clip your paper in the upper left hand corner. Do not use folders or binders. Attach the cover sheet from the website.  Your paper will be returned ungraded if you fail to comply with this format.
Length. Students frequently asked, "How long should my paper be?" There is no point value attached to the length of your paper. The grade you receive on your project is based on the quality and thoroughness of your writing and organization. The estimated length  is approximately 5 pages. If your paper is substantially shorter than the estimate, go back and make sure that you have addressed all parts of the assignment and you have discussed each part in a thoughtful and thorough manner. Single word lists or single sentence responses are inadequate.  Be sure to use your own words, avoid plagiarism and give credit when you use an author's idea or words.