PSYC FPX 2600 Assessment 2 Worksheet: Impact of Technology on Child Development

PSYC FPX 2600 Assessment 2 Worksheet: Impact of Technology on Child Development

Student Name

Capella University

PSYC-FPX2600 Development Across the Lifespan

Prof. Name:

Date

Introduction

In today’s technology-driven society, digital screens have become an inseparable part of daily life. While technology offers educational and social benefits, it has also raised concerns about its long-term influence on children’s emotional and social growth. As young children engage with digital devices from an early age, questions arise about how screen time affects their interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence. Are we nurturing children to become adept digital communicators while simultaneously diminishing their ability to engage in genuine, face-to-face interactions? These developmental questions form the foundation of this assessment.

Section 1: Physical and Cognitive Development in Infants and Toddlers

Reference Section:
Riser, D., Spielman, R., & Biek, D. (2024). Lifespan development. OpenStax.
In-text citation: (Riser et al., 2024)

How did infants and toddlers in your family sleep compared to expert recommendations? How did family sleep routines affect their development?

According to Riser et al. (2024), newborns typically require 14–17 hours of sleep each day, while toddlers need approximately 11–14 hours, including naps. My granddaughter’s sleep patterns closely aligned with these expert recommendations. From infancy, our family prioritized structured bedtime routines, including quiet time before bed, swaddling for comfort, and a consistent bedtime schedule. These structured habits not only supported her physical growth but also enhanced her cognitive development and emotional regulation.

Consistency in sleep patterns helps infants feel secure, facilitating the maturation of the prefrontal cortex and promoting memory consolidation. By ensuring a calm environment and a predictable routine, our family helped support her growth milestones and general well-being (Riser et al., 2024).

How does a family’s income and living situation affect how babies and toddlers learn to talk?

Socioeconomic status and home environment play critical roles in language acquisition and early communication skills (Riser et al., 2024). Families with higher incomes often provide environments rich in linguistic stimulation, such as access to books, educational toys, and parent-child interactions. Conversely, families facing economic hardship may lack such resources, limiting early exposure to diverse vocabulary and interactive learning opportunities.

Table 1: Factors Influencing Early Language Development

Influencing Factor	Higher-Income Families	Lower-Income Families
Access to Books & Toys	Abundant educational materials	Limited resources
Parental Interaction	Frequent reading & talking	Less verbal engagement
Environment	Safe, stimulating spaces	Crowded or noisy settings
Community Support	Private childcare & classes	Reliance on community programs

To bridge these disparities, communities can establish free book drives, family literacy workshops, and parent-child play programs. Early literacy initiatives, such as community libraries and story hours, can ensure equitable opportunities for language development across all socioeconomic backgrounds (Riser et al., 2024).

Section 2: Social and Emotional Development in Infants and Toddlers

How did your family teach you to show or control your feelings?

Growing up, my family placed a strong emphasis on independence rather than emotional closeness. Open expressions of emotion were often discouraged, leading me to internalize my feelings rather than share them. This upbringing likely shaped my attachment style as avoidant, as described by Bowlby and Ainsworth (Riser et al., 2024). Individuals with this attachment style often prefer self-reliance and maintain emotional distance in relationships. Recognizing this pattern has helped me understand how early family dynamics influenced my emotional expression and interpersonal connections as an adult.

What was your childhood temperament, and how did it shape your personality?

Reflecting on my early years, I would describe my temperament as slow to warm up, one of the three classifications proposed by Thomas and Chess (1977, as cited in Riser et al., 2024). I was cautious, observant, and hesitant in unfamiliar environments. This trait fostered patience and careful decision-making as I matured, allowing me to approach new experiences with deliberation rather than impulsivity. Over time, these characteristics evolved into strong analytical and empathetic tendencies, shaping both my personal and professional relationships.

Section 3: Physical and Cognitive Development in Early Childhood

How did childhood play influence your creativity and social skills?

Play during early childhood is essential for fostering creativity, social skills, and cognitive flexibility (Riser et al., 2024). My brother and I often engaged in imaginative activities like mock karate matches or “paper wad battles.” These playful experiences encouraged critical thinking, teamwork, and safe experimentation. Even though my play was mostly limited to family interactions rather than peer groups, it enhanced my ability to strategize, problem-solve, and express creativity in different settings.

How did your childhood diet and eating habits affect your development?

In my household, food distribution prioritized adults first, leaving children to adapt to what was available. This practice taught self-reliance but limited nutritional variety. Over time, these early habits shaped my adult eating preferences toward convenience and routine rather than balanced nutrition. According to Riser et al. (2024), consistent access to healthy foods in childhood is essential for optimal growth, immune strength, and cognitive development. Lack of balanced meals can contribute to nutrient deficiencies and long-term unhealthy eating patterns.

How did childhood toys and family culture shape your understanding of gender identity?

My childhood experiences reflected both traditional and flexible gender norms. While I owned dolls, I also enjoyed outdoor activities like climbing and exploring with my brothers. These diverse experiences helped me develop a balanced understanding of gender expression (Riser et al., 2024). My family’s expectations for me to be quiet and reserved, however, reinforced certain gender stereotypes. These cultural dynamics shaped how I perceive gender today—as a spectrum influenced by personal interests, social learning, and cultural expectations.

Section 4: Physical and Cognitive Development in Middle Childhood

How did informal learning differ from formal education for you?

Exploring the woods near my home offered a rich, informal learning experience. Unlike classroom learning, this type of education was experiential, curiosity-driven, and self-paced (Riser et al., 2024). Observing nature taught me patience, independence, and problem-solving—skills that complemented formal academic knowledge. Informal learning encourages critical thinking and intrinsic motivation, demonstrating that valuable knowledge extends beyond structured environments.

Do intelligence tests accurately reflect a person’s intelligence?

I participated in a gifted program that required intelligence testing, but I often felt unsatisfied with my results. Intelligence tests, while useful in assessing logical reasoning and linguistic skills, fail to capture creativity, emotional intelligence, and social adaptability (Riser et al., 2024). True intelligence encompasses a spectrum of abilities—analytical, creative, and practical—highlighting that standardized tests provide only a partial understanding of human potential.

Section 5: Social and Emotional Development in Middle Childhood

Describe a childhood challenge and how you developed resilience.

One of the most difficult periods of my childhood was being unjustly institutionalized due to false claims about my behavior. Despite the emotional turmoil, I coped by following procedures, maintaining composure, and forming supportive friendships (Riser et al., 2024). This experience taught me emotional strength, adaptability, and self-reliance—key aspects of resilience. Even without consistent family support, I learned how to rebuild confidence and persevere through adversity.

PSYC FPX 2600 Assessment 2 Worksheet: Impact of Technology on Child Development

Reflect on a moral dilemma from your childhood and how it relates to Kohlberg’s theory.

As a child, I struggled with the decision to report abuse at home. Initially, fear of punishment kept me silent, reflecting Kohlberg’s preconventional level of moral reasoning, where behavior is guided by consequences (Riser et al., 2024). Over time, I developed a stronger moral compass grounded in fairness and justice, aligning with the postconventional stage. This evolution demonstrates how personal experiences and reflection contribute to moral growth.

Section 6: Physical and Cognitive Development in Adolescence

How do nutrition and sleep affect teenage development?

During adolescence, the brain and body undergo rapid development that depends heavily on nutrition and sleep (Riser et al., 2024). Proper nutrition fuels hormonal changes, while sleep supports cognitive processing and emotional regulation. Poor nutrition and insufficient sleep can result in fatigue, irritability, poor academic performance, and even mood disorders. Establishing healthy routines is crucial for maintaining physical growth and brain function.

Table 2: Effects of Poor Nutrition and Sleep in Adolescence

Health Factor	Positive Impact (Healthy Habits)	Negative Impact (Poor Habits)
Nutrition	Supports growth and concentration	Leads to fatigue and poor immunity
Sleep	Enhances learning and memory	Causes mood swings and low focus

How did brain development influence a decision you made as a teenager?

As a teenager, I often stayed up late watching television, prioritizing short-term gratification over rest. According to Riser et al. (2024), the adolescent brain’s prefrontal cortex is still developing, which affects impulse control and long-term decision-making. Meanwhile, the brain’s reward system is highly active, leading to impulsive behaviors. Recognizing this helps explain why many adolescents make choices driven by immediate rewards rather than future consequences.

Section 7: Social and Emotional Development in Adolescence

How does having a positive sense of ethnic and sexual identity support adolescent well-being?

A strong sense of ethnic and sexual identity contributes to self-esteem, belonging, and emotional health (Riser et al., 2024). When teens feel proud of who they are, they develop resilience against discrimination and internalized stigma. This positive identity formation fosters confidence and stability during the transition to adulthood. Supportive environments, inclusive peers, and cultural pride all serve as protective factors promoting long-term psychological well-being.

Which idea from Chapters 3–10 could help you in your life today?

One significant concept from Chapters 3–10 is the importance of social support. Riser et al. (2024) emphasize that positive social relationships buffer against stress, enhance emotional regulation, and build resilience. In my own life, surrounding myself with empathetic, encouraging individuals helps maintain motivation and mental health. Cultivating strong social networks—whether at work, school, or home—fosters a sense of belonging and emotional stability essential for personal growth.

References

Riser, D., Spielman, R., & Biek, D. (2024). Lifespan development. OpenStax.

PSYC FPX 2600 Assessment 2 Worksheet: Impact of Technology on Child Development

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