Alternative Case Study
Some times it is harder to observe a child in the middle childhood and/or adolescence
age range. Children of this age know you are observing them and may not always give
a true picture of their development. If you choose not to observe a child in this age
group, you may do the alternative case study.
Middle Childhood--Case study 3
Rent the movie Stand By Me. Watch the movie, refer to the questions pertaining to the
movie. Use these questions to guide you as you write your report. These questions are
what you are to look for when viewing the movie, in order to report on the
developmental growth domains.
If you choose to do the movie as your alternative case study, you follow the outline
format as you did for case studies 1 and 2. This Case Study outline format is the same
for all four case studies. The rubric evaluation will also be the same.
Adolescence--Case study 4
Choose one of the movies Dead Poets Society or Breakfast Club. Rent it and watch the
movie, refer to the questions about the movie character, in order to facilitate your report
on the growth domains.
If you choose to do the movie as your alternative case study, the format and rubric are
the same as case studies 1 and 2. Again, use the Case Study outline for all four reports.
Use the particular movie questions to guide your viewing.
Case study of the film "Stand by Me" - Alternative for Case Study 3
The film is about four boys who go on an adventure. Pick out a boy you will follow
throughout the film. Read the questions before the film starts. Take notes as you view
the film. Use these questions as a guideline for viewing, in order to analyze the growth
domains of the chosen character. Organize your thoughts. To support statements,
refer to specific scene examples in the movie. Remember to use the Case Study
Outline format to write the report.
Name of the boy:
Physical description:
Family composition:
Outcome of boy in adulthood:
1. What kind of relationship does this boy have with his family? How does the family
communicate with the boy?
2. What role does language skill play for the boy?
3. Who is the leader of the group? What characteristics does the leader portray?
Why did you choose him as the leader?
4. List some negative and positive examples that his peers play in his life.
5. Is this boy in Piaget’s Concrete cognitive level? What evidence do you have?
6. Is this boy in Freud’s Latency stage? What evidence do you have?
7. Is this boy in Erikson’s Industry vs. Inferiority stage? What evidence do you
have?
8. How did school and formal education have an effect on this boy’s life? Explain
and support your answer.
9. Give an example of this boy’s moral development. What influences his judgments
and actions that he takes?
10. As this boy’s teacher, how would you encourage his development physically,
emotionally and cognitively?
Case study of the film "Dead Poets Society" - Alternative for Case Study 4
This film is about seven young men who are enrolled in a private school. Choose one to
follow throughout the film. Read the following questions to guide your observations on
the chosen character. In part two, you may use any of the boys to facilitate responses
in this developmental area. Take notes as you view the film. Organize your thoughts
and write the report using the Case Study Outline format.
Part 1: Answer the following questions on one boy that you have chosen.
Name of the boy:
Physical description:
1. What kind of relationship does this boy have with his family? Give information to
support your facts.
2. Discuss relationships that this boy has with his peers. Give examples.
3. Is this boy in Freud’s Genital stage? What evidence do you have?
4. Is this boy in Piaget’s Formal Operations stage? What evidence do you have?
5. Is this boy in Erikson’s Identity vs. Role Confusion crisis stage? What evidence do
you have?
6. After this year at school, what is your prediction for this boy’s future? How would his
life be different (if any) if Mr. Keating had not been his English teacher?
Part 2: Refer to the following questions to include this information from any of the
boys.
7. Who do you consider to be the most daring of the boys? Why?
8. Give an example of:
a. adolescent idealism
b. imaginary audience
c. personal fable
d. self-consciousness
Case study of the film "The Breakfast Club" - Alternative for Case study 4.
The purpose of viewing this film is to observe and characterize the growth and
development of adolescence age children according to age and stage of physical,
social, emotional and cognitive growth. Choose one character that you will follow
throughout the film and take notes on the behavior and interactions of this character.
Use the following questions to guide your viewing. Refer to specific scenes from the
movie to support your statements. Write the report using the Case Study Outline as you
did for case studies 1-3.
1. Describe the character of your choice. (Example: Introduction)
Name, age, physical appearance, motor development, dress, etc.
How does this character fit the "norms" for the age? What "stereotype" is
represented, if any?
2. How does this character interact with adults? Parents, teachers, authority figures.
(Example: Socio-emotional)
3. How does this character interact with peers? Self reported information, observed
interaction throughout the film, comments from other characters. (Example: Socioemotional)
4. How does this character solve problems from a cognitive standpoint?
5. How does this character use language, humor?
6. Is there evidence of sexual stereotyping or other stereotypes? How does this
character’s behavior, attitudes or awareness change throughout the film?
7. If you were this character’s teacher or mentor, what might you do to help further this
character’s development?
8. What is the true level of maturity? Give evidence to support you facts.