DEVELOPMENTAL
PSYCHOLOGY
PYC4805
Assignment 4 Guide
2026
Perfectionist Notes
PRIVATE TUTOR FOR HONOURS IN PSYCHOLOGY
helping you achieve your best results
DOCUMENT contains:
link to download textbook and articles
textbook notes
example essay answer
referencing tips
essay writing tips
, Property of Perfectionist Notes
Plagiarism/distribution/selling/illegal use of this document will be prosecuted
Contents
PYC4805 Assessment (2) questions broken down .................................................................................. 2
INSTRUCTIONS: ....................................................................................................................................... 4
Question 1 Analysis and example answer: ............................................................................................. 7
Assignment template (EXAMPLE ESSAY – topic 1).................................................................................. 9
Question 2 analysis and example answer: ............................................................................................ 13
Assignment template (EXAMPLE ESSAY – topic 2)................................................................................ 15
Textbook Summary ............................................................................................................................. 19
APA 7TH EDITION REFERENCING GUIDE .............................................................................................. 131
, Property of Perfectionist Notes
Plagiarism/distribution/selling/illegal use of this document will be prosecuted
PYC4805 Assessment: questions broken down
• This assessment is based on Chapters 9-16.
• Two essay questions are provided.
• You are required to answer ONE (1) question only.
• Your response should demonstrate critical engagement with developmental
psychology theories, concepts, and empirical research.
• The purpose of this assessment is to evaluate your ability to apply developmental
psychology principles to contemporary South African issues.
Question 1:
Using the concepts of:
1. Holland’s personality type theory,
2. identity development and
3. ethnic identity,
critically discuss how people's attitudes towards undocumented immigrants and other
groups perceived as outsiders may develop.
Support your answer with:
• examples from the scenario
• and relevant empirical research.
ESSAY 1 CONTEXT AND SCENARIO:
• The March and March Movement is a South African movement that advocates for
stricter immigration enforcement and the deportation of undocumented
immigrants.
• The movement maintains that individuals who are in South Africa without the
required legal documentation should leave the country and, if they wish to
return, should do so through the appropriate legal immigration processes with
valid documentation.
• Supporters argue that undocumented immigration places pressure on employment
opportunities, public services, and community resources, while critics contend that
, Property of Perfectionist Notes
Plagiarism/distribution/selling/illegal use of this document will be prosecuted
such movements may contribute to prejudice, discrimination, xenophobia, and social
exclusion.
• The movement has generated widespread public debate about national identity,
belonging, citizenship, access to resources, social cohesion, and intergroup relations
in a diverse society.
• Developmental psychologists recognise that attitudes towards immigrants and other
groups perceived as outsiders are shaped by developmental, psychological, social,
and contextual influences across the lifespan
Question 2:
With reference to the concept of:
1. personal control beliefs,
2. substance abuse and
3. possible selves,
critically discuss how developmental challenges during the transition to adulthood
may contribute to Nyaope use among adolescents and adults.
Support your answer with:
• appropriate examples
• and relevant empirical research.
ESSAY 2 CONTEXT AND SCENARIO:
• Nyaope is a highly addictive street drug commonly found in South Africa. It typically
consists of a mixture of substances, including heroin and other harmful ingredients,
and has been associated with serious physical, psychological, social, and economic
consequences.
• Nyaope use is particularly prevalent among adolescents, young adult and adults.
• It has become a significant public health and social concern due to its links with
addiction, unemployment, crime, family disruption, and mental health challenges.
PSYCHOLOGY
PYC4805
Assignment 4 Guide
2026
Perfectionist Notes
PRIVATE TUTOR FOR HONOURS IN PSYCHOLOGY
helping you achieve your best results
DOCUMENT contains:
link to download textbook and articles
textbook notes
example essay answer
referencing tips
essay writing tips
, Property of Perfectionist Notes
Plagiarism/distribution/selling/illegal use of this document will be prosecuted
Contents
PYC4805 Assessment (2) questions broken down .................................................................................. 2
INSTRUCTIONS: ....................................................................................................................................... 4
Question 1 Analysis and example answer: ............................................................................................. 7
Assignment template (EXAMPLE ESSAY – topic 1).................................................................................. 9
Question 2 analysis and example answer: ............................................................................................ 13
Assignment template (EXAMPLE ESSAY – topic 2)................................................................................ 15
Textbook Summary ............................................................................................................................. 19
APA 7TH EDITION REFERENCING GUIDE .............................................................................................. 131
, Property of Perfectionist Notes
Plagiarism/distribution/selling/illegal use of this document will be prosecuted
PYC4805 Assessment: questions broken down
• This assessment is based on Chapters 9-16.
• Two essay questions are provided.
• You are required to answer ONE (1) question only.
• Your response should demonstrate critical engagement with developmental
psychology theories, concepts, and empirical research.
• The purpose of this assessment is to evaluate your ability to apply developmental
psychology principles to contemporary South African issues.
Question 1:
Using the concepts of:
1. Holland’s personality type theory,
2. identity development and
3. ethnic identity,
critically discuss how people's attitudes towards undocumented immigrants and other
groups perceived as outsiders may develop.
Support your answer with:
• examples from the scenario
• and relevant empirical research.
ESSAY 1 CONTEXT AND SCENARIO:
• The March and March Movement is a South African movement that advocates for
stricter immigration enforcement and the deportation of undocumented
immigrants.
• The movement maintains that individuals who are in South Africa without the
required legal documentation should leave the country and, if they wish to
return, should do so through the appropriate legal immigration processes with
valid documentation.
• Supporters argue that undocumented immigration places pressure on employment
opportunities, public services, and community resources, while critics contend that
, Property of Perfectionist Notes
Plagiarism/distribution/selling/illegal use of this document will be prosecuted
such movements may contribute to prejudice, discrimination, xenophobia, and social
exclusion.
• The movement has generated widespread public debate about national identity,
belonging, citizenship, access to resources, social cohesion, and intergroup relations
in a diverse society.
• Developmental psychologists recognise that attitudes towards immigrants and other
groups perceived as outsiders are shaped by developmental, psychological, social,
and contextual influences across the lifespan
Question 2:
With reference to the concept of:
1. personal control beliefs,
2. substance abuse and
3. possible selves,
critically discuss how developmental challenges during the transition to adulthood
may contribute to Nyaope use among adolescents and adults.
Support your answer with:
• appropriate examples
• and relevant empirical research.
ESSAY 2 CONTEXT AND SCENARIO:
• Nyaope is a highly addictive street drug commonly found in South Africa. It typically
consists of a mixture of substances, including heroin and other harmful ingredients,
and has been associated with serious physical, psychological, social, and economic
consequences.
• Nyaope use is particularly prevalent among adolescents, young adult and adults.
• It has become a significant public health and social concern due to its links with
addiction, unemployment, crime, family disruption, and mental health challenges.
