Question 1

Erik Erikson's psychosocial theory is useful for teachers

Accepted Answer

Erikson's theory is applicable across all ages because it outlines stages of psychosocial development from infancy through adulthood, emphasizing the role of culture and society and the active participation of the individual in their own development.

Question 2

Eight-year-old Elizabeth is given a butterfly net for her birthday. She spends hours and hours capturing all kinds of creatures: butterflies, moths, crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, aphids, and pill bugs, to name just a few. She notices that some of the creatures have six legs and some have eight. She also notices that some have hard covers over their wings and others don't. She takes note of these differences and begins to separate her creatures according to the differences she notes. Which of the following, according to Piaget, is the process in which Elizabeth is engaging?

Accepted Answer

Elizabeth is engaging in the process of organization, according to Piaget. This involves categorizing and arranging information or experiences in a systematic way, which she does by separating creatures based on their physical characteristics.

Question 3

According to Erikson, if Robert has successfully resolved the psychosocial crisis of adolescence, he is now able to

Accepted Answer

Erikson's theory suggests that successfully resolving the psychosocial crisis of adolescence leads to the development of a strong identity, which includes viewing oneself as having a meaningful role in life.

Question 4

Rhonda, a sixth grader, loves to work in her father's wood shop crafting items that she designs. Often, however, when she approaches her father about letting her work with him, he dismisses her requests and tells her that she should "help your mother in the kitchen and stay out of my way." According to Erikson, Rhonda

Accepted Answer

Erikson's theory suggests that children who are discouraged from engaging in activities they are interested in may develop feelings of inferiority, especially during the stage of industry vs. inferiority, which is relevant to Rhonda's age group.

Question 5

Brian is an only child whose father is a president of a large corporation, while his mother is a lawyer at a busy law firm. Brian has always enjoyed the company of other children partly, he believes, because he wasn't around children much except at school. He is particularly intrigued with young children's development and is thinking of majoring in early-childhood education in college. His parents are not happy with Brian's decision, and his father puts a great deal of pressure on him to major in business or pre-law. Brian isn't sure what to do. His situation is an example of

Accepted Answer

Role confusion is a state of uncertainty about one's social role or identity. Brian is experiencing role confusion because he is unsure of what he wants to do with his life. His parents want him to major in business or pre-law, but he is interested in early-childhood education. Brian is struggling to find his own identity and to make a decision that is right for him.

Question 6

Based on what he has seen at the circus, Larry came to believe that all elephants were docile. Recently, on his first African safari, he approached an elephant with the intention of petting it. Sensing Larry's presence, the elephant wheeled around and proceeded to charge. Larry must now adjust his elephant behavior scheme. According to Piaget, Larry must

Accepted Answer

According to Piaget's theory of cognitive development, when individuals encounter new information that does not fit with their existing schemas or understanding, they must adapt. This adaptation involves either assimilation (incorporating new information into existing schemas) or accommodation (modifying existing schemas or creating new ones to fit the new information). In Larry's case, encountering an aggressive elephant contradicts his existing belief that all elephants are docile, requiring him to adapt his understanding of elephant behavior.

Question 7

According to Erikson, personality growth occurs in eight stages that are characterized by

Accepted Answer

Erikson's theory of psychosocial development posits that personality growth occurs through eight stages, each characterized by a specific crisis that must be resolved. The outcome of these crises, whether resolved positively or negatively, influences an individual's personality development.

Question 8

Which of the following is most likely to promote a sense of industry among students?

Accepted Answer

Creating reasonable performance standards and clearly communicating those standards to students can foster a sense of achievement and competence, promoting a sense of industry. This approach helps students understand what is expected of them and how they can meet those expectations, encouraging effort and learning.

Question 9

According to Marcia, what identity status is usually the last to emerge developmentally?

Accepted Answer

Identity achievement is usually the last to emerge developmentally according to Marcia, as it involves having explored various options and making a commitment to a particular identity, which typically requires more time and experience.

Question 10

Sam began his academic career as a history major and, during his first semester, changed to archaeology. He is currently a media-arts student with a C average. When asked about his mediocre grades he indicates that he has a difficult time paying attention in class because he loves to daydream. All twelve of his ex-girlfriends say that he is an anxious soul who is uncertain of his future. James Marcia would most likely say that Sam's identity status is

Accepted Answer

Sam is currently exploring different identities (moratorium) and has not yet committed to a specific one.

Question 11

In an attempt to scientifically validate Erikson's notions about identity, Marcia interviewed youths about their

Accepted Answer

Marcia's interviews focused on career goals, religious beliefs, and sexual attitudes to explore identity formation, aligning with Erikson's theory on identity exploration during adolescence.

Question 12

Sarah, though she prefers dance to medicine, is a medical student because her parents have always dreamed of having a "Dr. Daughter." She is certain that medicine is the right career for her because her parents have supported that notion. Sarah would be classified by Marcia as which of the following types?

Accepted Answer

Sarah is in the foreclosure identity status according to Marcia's theory, as she has committed to a career path (medicine) without exploring other options, based on her parents' expectations rather than her own exploration or decision.

Question 13

Which of the following most clearly describes a form of parental behavior that would lead to desirable child development during the psychosocial stage Erikson described for two- and three-year-olds?

Accepted Answer

Erikson's stage for two- and three-year-olds focuses on autonomy versus shame and doubt. Encouraging a child to learn new skills while providing support and supervision fosters a sense of autonomy and confidence, which is desirable for healthy psychosocial development during this stage.

Question 14

Which of the following classroom practices would be most appropriate for children at Erikson's stage of industry versus inferiority?

Accepted Answer

Erikson's stage of industry versus inferiority focuses on children developing a sense of competence and achievement. Placing completed assignments in a "Successful Work" folder supports this by recognizing and valuing each child's effort and accomplishments, fostering a sense of industry and self-worth without promoting unhealthy competition or speed over quality.

Question 15

The idea that personality development follows a predictable pattern with identifiable benchmarks best reflects the

Accepted Answer

The epigenetic principle, as proposed by Erik Erikson, suggests that personality development follows a predetermined sequence of stages, each characterized by specific challenges or crises that individuals must resolve. This principle emphasizes the predictable pattern and identifiable benchmarks in personality development.

Question 16

According to Erikson, teachers can help students between the ages of four and five develop in a healthy fashion by

Accepted Answer

Erikson's theory suggests that children between the ages of four and five are in the "Initiative vs. Guilt" stage. Encouraging exploration and answering their questions helps them develop initiative, a sense of purpose, and the ability to lead others, which are positive outcomes of this stage.

Question 17

Erikson's theory holds that adolescents create an identity for themselves by actively exploring alternative beliefs, career options, and interpersonal relationships, and then making a choice. This contention appears to be

Accepted Answer

Erikson's theory of identity formation is considered accurate in describing the process in certain societies, particularly those that emphasize individualism and provide opportunities for exploration. However, it may not apply universally across all cultures, especially in collectivist societies where communal values and familial expectations might play a more significant role in identity formation.

Question 18

Erikson uses the epigenetic principle to hypothesize that personality development is related to

Accepted Answer

Erikson's theory of psychosocial development posits that personality development occurs through a predetermined sequence of eight stages that build upon each other. Each stage is characterized by a specific conflict that the individual must resolve in order to move successfully to the next stage, suggesting a critical period for each stage's resolution. This concept aligns with the epigenetic principle, which in this context refers to the development unfolding through a genetically determined sequence of stages, influenced by environmental interactions.

Question 19

As described by Erikson, a psychosocial moratorium

Accepted Answer

Erikson described a psychosocial moratorium as a period during which individuals delay making definitive choices about their identity. This allows them the time and space to explore various roles and possibilities, aiding in their identity formation process.

Question 20

You have decided that the students in your kindergarten class will no longer be allowed to participate in unstructured play or imagination activities. These types of activities, in your opinion, are a waste of learning time and have no place in a solid curriculum. Your thoughts largely ignore the need to resolve which of the following psychosocial crises?

Accepted Answer

The initiative versus guilt stage, as described by Erik Erikson, emphasizes the importance of allowing children to explore, initiate activities, and develop a sense of purpose through play and social interactions. By restricting unstructured play or imagination activities, you are ignoring the developmental need for children to resolve this crisis by exploring their initiative, which can lead to feelings of guilt and inadequacy.

Quiz 2: Theories of Psychosocial and Cognitive Development