Explain which approach is most effective for understanding the differences between Jane and John, and defend your reasoning.

/in /by

Assignment: Comparing and Contrasting Biological and Behaviorist Theories

Do you have a sibling who is the polar opposite of you, or do you know siblings with temperaments that are night and day from each other? Bring to mind those examples. From what you know, how do children grow up in the same environment and yet react to the world so differently? Is that proof of biology as the main influence on temperament, or could other factors be at work as well?

These questions are the focus of your Assignment this week. But rather than draw from your examples, you will consider a case study: Jane and John. They are fraternal twins who have grown up together in the same family, but who have very different temperaments. You will compare and contrast biological and behaviorist theories to understand and explain the differences between Jane and John.

To prepare:

  • Consider these descriptions of Jane and John. Keep in mind they are fraternal twins. Although their age is not given, from their activities they are teens in high school.
    • Jane is very outgoing. She enjoys large gatherings of friends, participates in many extracurricular activities in school, and is a cheerleader and captain of her volleyball team. She loves to travel, meet new people, and experience different cultures.
    • John is a quiet and studious young man. He loves to read and to listen to classical music. He has a small, intimate circle of friends who share the same interests. He is captain of his school’s chess team, and his idea of the perfect sporting event is a chess competition. He is not interested in travel—unless he is going to a chess competition.
  • Review the Learning Resources for Week 5 and consider the similarities, differences, strengths, and limitations of the biological and behaviorist theories of personality.
  • Consider how both biological and behaviorist theories would explain the differences in Jane and John.
  • Consider which approach you agree with more and your reasoning. (Note that you may take the same basic position that you have in the Discussion this week or a different view based on these siblings.)
  • Be sure your analysis applies specifically to Jane and John. Your Assignment should not address siblings in general.
By Day 7

Submit a 2- to 3-page paper that includes the following points:

  • Compare and contrast biological and behaviorist theories by explaining the strengths and limitations of each theory.
  • Apply the behaviorist theory in explaining the differences in the siblings Jane and John.
  • Apply the biological theory in explaining the differences in the siblings Jane and John.
  • Explain which approach is most effective for understanding the differences between Jane and John, and defend your reasoning.

Note: Support the responses within your Assignment with evidence from the assigned Learning Resources. Provide a reference list for resources you used for this Assignment.

Submission and Grading Information

To submit your completed Assignment for review and grading, do the following:

  • Please save your Assignment using the naming convention “WK5Assgn+last name+first initial.(extension)” as the name.
  • Click the Week 5 Assignment Rubric to review the Grading Criteria for the Assignment.
  • Click the Week 5 Assignment link. You will also be able to “View Rubric” for grading criteria from this area.
  • Next, from the Attach File area, click on the Browse My Computer button. Find the document you saved as “WK5Assgn+last name+first initial.(extension)” and click Open.
  • If applicable: From the Plagiarism Tools area, click the checkbox for I agree to submit my paper(s) to the Global Reference Database.
  • Click on the Submit button to complete your submission.
Grading Criteria

To access your rubric:
Week 5 Assignment Rubric

Check Your Assignment Draft for Authenticity

To check your Assignment draft for authenticity:
Submit your Week 5 Assignment draft and review the originality report.

Submit Your Assignment by Day 7

To submit your Assignment:
Week 5 Assignment