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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. In Chapter 2, Foundations and Observation, during his discussion on group identity, what group of people does Erikson observe group changes to make his point?

2. Concerning Erikson's theory, when identity development is negative, what type of personalities may occur during the second stage of development?

3. When does the normative crisis of identity formation occur?

4. As discussed by Erikson in Chapter 2, what occurs when a system either biological or social malfunctions?

5. Erikson feels that Freud's intellect is a gift that stems from what?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does introjection help the ego grow in Erikson's theory of identity development?

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

3. According to Erikson, why is early adolescents signified by feelings of initiative or guilt?

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

5. How do parents trigger transference in the formulation of evil ego identity as children move through Erikson's developmental stages?

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

7. When does Erikson state, concerning James and Shaw, that the adolescent process ended?

8. What is the role of ideologies and identity development?

9. What is Erikson suggest that the development of trust or mistrust in the first age and identity development is the cornerstone of an individual's personality?

10. What does Erikson suggest is immune to the failure of ego synthesis?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Define the term "sense of basic trust" and discuss what this means to an infant in the beginning stages of identity development. How is stressed formed and what happens if trust is not formed? How are later stages affected by the successful or unsuccessful initiation of positive identity development? Use the book to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

In Freud's letter, he makes a comparison between positive identity and negative character traits. Why is this comparison significant? What does this suggest about identity? And do you think it applies today? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Why does Erikson suggest that true intimacy can only occur after positive identity formation? What does this theory suggest about intimacy as a whole? What is the counterpart of intimacy and how does this play into the concept of intimacy and identity formation?

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