Instructions:

Answer all questions. Be sure that you read each question carefully and respond to each part. I will expect you to use course concepts, including material we discuss in class. Note: each question includes a critical thinking component: extrapolate on an issue using course material that is not explicitly addressed. Your response should be typed, double spaced, and consistent with guidelines from the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (fourth edition).

1. On the first exam, you identified tools to evaluate theories that you will now use to critique one theory of family structure.  Use material from chapters one, twenty-three, and twenty-four of the Sourcebook, Readings 1-4, and material from class lecture to evaluate either one theory of family structure (e.g., structural functionalism or systems theory).  Your critique should demonstrate that you understand the material by providing a review of the major constructs, assumptions, and propositions.  Use at least six criteria from chapter one as well as other relevant material to critique the theory that you choose.  You should also explicitly address the ways in which the theory is sensitive to pluralistic experience (emphasizing race and gender issues) and include suggestions for improving the theory in that area.  To what extent does the theory address attachment issues?  What are the implications of this theory for attachment?  Discuss implications for family policy.  Be sure to provide a discussion of the strengths of the theory that you review.  Option: If you are a doctoral student preparing for prelims, I would strongly encourage you to identify and locate at least three research articles inspired by the theory you chose and to briefly summarize aspects of the study that are consistent with the theory.
    

2. The format for this question is similar to the first question. Use material from chapters one, twenty-three, and twenty-four of the Sourcebook, Readings 1-4, and material from class lecture to evaluate family therapy theory.  Your critique should demonstrate that you understand the material by providing a review of the major constructs, assumptions, and propositions.  Use at least six criteria from chapter one as well as other relevant material to critique the theory that you choose.  You should also explicitly address the ways in which the theory is sensitive to pluralistic experience (emphasizing race and gender issues) and include suggestions for improving the theory in that area.  To what extent does the theory address attachment issues?  What are the implications of this theory for attachment?  Discuss implications for family policy.  Be sure to provide a discussion of the strengths of the theory that you review.  Option: If you are a doctoral student preparing for prelims, I would strongly encourage you to identify and locate at least three research articles inspired by the theory you chose and to briefly summarize aspects of the study that are consistent with the theory.