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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 is the definition of "identity" subject to?

2. In terms of Erikson's theory of individual development, what is required in order to transcend toward individuality?

3. Considering the relationship between personal and historical identity formation, how can this relationship be described?

4. During the Erikson's second stage of development, what does the individual gain when identity has developed in a healthy manner?

5. According to Erikson in Chapter 2, what occurs when the ego combines elements that result in an inability to form a positive self-image?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Erikson think acute identity confusion manifests?

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

3. Why is a feeling of wholeness by the final stages of Erikson's identity development necessary in creating a positive identity?

4. According to Erikson, what is our earliest undifferentiated sense of identity?

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

6. What is Erikson suggest it is a good thing that the term crisis no longer means solely a bad event?

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

8. What is Erikson suggest that the Western sense of identity has been weakened?

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

10. Why might it be reasonable to think pathological and developmental aspects of identity?

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

This book was originally published in 1968, concerning Erikson's views on women, their position in the world, and identity development, are these you still relevant and practical in today's society? Provide support for your answer.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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