Application of Theory Paper on Family Theories: Family Life Course Development Theory- Cohabitation and Martial Timing

Application of Theory Paper – select a content area of your choice related to family studies where there is a critical review written of the research literature. Topic : Family Life Course Development Theory- Cohabitation and Martial Timing (Analyzing how pre-martial cohabitation influences family life stages.) Review the relevant research in the area to demonstrate the depth of your understanding of the phenomena, then explicate how this body of research contributes to the refinement of the two primary theories used in this body of research. (30 pts.) The purpose of this assignment is to extend your understanding of a particular theory by using this model to explain a particular phenomenon in family studies (e.g., divorce adjustment, effects of divorce on children). Instructions Select a topic of interest that reflects content in family studies. Read all that you can about your topic; always begin with recent reviews of the literature that are available (check Journal or Marriage and Family, Family Relations, Developmental Psychology, American Psychologist, Journal of Family Issues, Child Development, chapters in books). You need to have a good handle on what is known in the literature to do this paper. Then select a theoretical framework appropriate for use in explaining the topic of interest. The crux of the paper is to explain the phenomena using the components, assumptions/concepts from the theory. Lastly, critique the use of this theory in reference to the topic to explicate its strengths and weaknesses for furthering our understanding of the topic. (This part of the paper is typically ignored, but do NOT do so, as it affects your grade.) The paper is limited to 15 pages, excluding references (thoroughness and conciseness are highly valued) and must adhere to the most current APA guidelines. The paper is due December 3, 2024. Informal 10-15-minutes presentations of these papers will occur on August 1, 2024. Presentations will be graded on clarity, accuracy, and use of time.