Critique a Child Development Article

SAMPLE CRITIQUE and JOURNAL ARTICLE

Choose one article from any periodical or journal that is relevant to the physical development of the child aged from birth to 3 years old. Choose a topic that focuses on one of the following:

• The infant’s increasing awareness of her world
• The environmental influences on a baby’s cognitive development
• The implications for educators in light of the critical period for learning language
• The teaching of language
• Nutrition and/or height/weight
• Sensory and motor development
• Brain development

OR

Choose one article from any periodical or journal that is relevant to the socioemotional development of the child aged from birth to 3 years old. Choose a topic that focuses on one of the following:

• Infant temperament
• Personality and/or emotional development
• Attachment or child care
• The effects of poverty on infant temperament and emotional development

THEN

Using the questions listed as follows, write a critique of the article from the viewpoint of a scientist seeking the truth. This paper should be 3 to 6 pages long, double-spaced.

• Who is the audience for the article (e.g., parents, teachers, adolescents)?
• What is the topic of the article? What are some examples of information provided?
• Does the article emphasize heredity (nature) or environment (nurture)?
• To which domain of child development does it refer (physical, socioemotional, cognitive)?
• Does the article rely on scientific findings, expert opinion, or case example?
• Do the conclusions of the article seem valid?

In a concluding paragraph(s), give your personal evaluation of what was covered in the article and whether it advances our knowledge and understanding of child development.

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