Naturalistic Behavior

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Introduction

Naturalistic observation is a research tool used by psychologists, behavioral scientists and social scientists without any manipulation. This is a method used widely to study human growth and development today. It collects firsthand information and free of abuse and manipulation.

I observed a female child at the age of 14 years playing at the field. She was of American race. I used various techniques to be able to come up with this very relevant information. Despite differences in children, they share a lot of similarities at this stage

The female at this time are neat and do not want to feel low in public. They wear miniskirts, tight clothes that are in fashion. This makes even shopping from parents more demanding to please their daughters. It is at this stage that girl’s height and weight are so high. The height of 4ft and weight 75kg in this case. This is because this time hormones are at high levels and there may be eating disorder. They are often associated with diseases such as obesity

Physical development is so fast at this time. Girls at this time have increased body weight and height. There is increase in body fat relative to body mass. Hence additional fat is deposited in the lips, buttocks and chest. The hips broaden and girls experience menstruation. Also there is massive growth of hair in armpits and areas of genitalia. Female become sexually active, emotionally stable and confident. The feet and hands experience their growth spurt first, followed by the limbs and ending in the trunk.

Females at Piaget’s stage of formal operations can be to make hypothetical-deductive reasoning which prepares them for future adult roles. Brain maturation and environmental stimulation at this stage plays a crucial role. They have ability to consider, develop and test hypotheses.

Adolescents experience rapid emotional and social changes. Such changes are rise in sexual desires, they become interested to have boyfriends, they want freedom and independence, they feel energetic and strong, they begin thinking of future, and they always want to fit and be accepted in society and often feel lonely and confused. This stage is normally associated with unethical thing such as drug abuse and sexual abuse. However the youths have responsibility to learn interpersonal skill at this time. Parents, teachers and peers have responsibility to enhance this. This is at stage 5 of Erickson stages of development.

A child at this stage meets the milestones and stages for the physical, cognitive and social emotional development. This is because the child is able to develop in all aspects of life and is ready to take adult responsibility. There are cognitive deficits and may last for months following concussion. This can be as result of drugs such as marijuana. Children at this stage have massive gifts. They are mature and think of great things. They are often creative and innovative in everything they do. This makes them very important in development of society

Although children may have differences in physical, emotional and other factors. It is however significant that Adolescent at this stage have massive changes both negative and positive effects.

However the theories of development have always come to one agreement and have important components that can be applied in the current society. For example Bandura’s Self-Efficiency Theory proposed that children and adults will always do better in situations where they know they can be successful and avoid experiences in which they have failed in the past. The theories can be applied at ant one point in human development

Conclusion

Adolescent is an important stage in the development of human as it marks crucial changes to a person. Despite the challenges of this stage, the youth should always take initiative and utilize this stage to become productive. Parents, teachers and peers should also advise the youths at this time to avoid many expected consequences that may arise.

References

Shannon, J., Walters, T., Cinema House Films., & Medcom, inc. (2007). Adolescents. Cypress, CA: Medcom, Inc.

Cameron, N. (2002). Human growth and development. San Diego, Calif: Academic Press.

Hook, G., & User Friendly Resource Enterprises (N.Z.). (1991). Human development and growth: Book C. Christchurch, N.Z: User Friendly Resource Enterprises.