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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What are two characteristics Erikson applies to the task of the ego in order to maintain and organize its existence?

2. What does Erikson believe is an intrinsic part of maturation?

3. How the James decide he could strengthen his ego?

4. How does Erikson feel adults eventually settle on an identity?

5. According to the discussion in Chapter 2, the process of the ego helps individuals maintain their personalities and what type of fashion?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Erikson suggest that the second stage of identity development is a period of letting go?

2. How do social scientists attempt to narrow the term identity down?

3. What is Erikson feel that the process of identity formation is the process of increasing differentiation?

4. Why does Erikson suggest that understanding identity requires understanding the development of identity?

5. What is Erikson state that he cannot accept Freud's notion that neurotic conflict is not different from normative conflict?

6. According to Erikson, why might it be petty to attempt to define "identity" or "identity crisis"?

7. What are some unique characteristics discussed at the beginning of Chapter 4 concerning George Bernard Shaw?

8. Considering group identity developing, in light of Erikson's stages of development, how do individuals make group decisions in order to ease the pressures of making difficult decisions?

9. What does Erikson mean by the term psychosocial moratorium?

10. How does Erikson use child training to describe group identity formation?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain how the ego, the Id, the superego and environment are counterweights of each other and how they work together in identity formation. Include in your discussion the notion of "I" and what effect "I" has on these elements of identity.

Essay Topic 2

Erikson discusses his stages of development and intermingles Freud's stages of development throughout this discussion. Compare and contrast these two psychologists stages of development and provide an explanation on which you think is more valid today. Use the book to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

In his discussion of youth their identity development, Erikson references for virtue in terms of "inherent strength" and "active equality." What is the role of virtue in youth identity development? Discuss why virtue is a necessary component of this development.

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