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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. Where does Erikson feel our self representations stem from?

2. Throughout the stages of Erikson's theory of identity development, what happens if youth do not take advantage of the wisdom elders have to share?

3. What do youth try to balance while going through Erikson's stages of identity development?

4. What type of feelings does Erikson proposed are experienced by those in oppressed groups?

5. How does feminists often react during times of identity development and social change, as proposed in Erikson's theory?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Erikson feel it is important to have a clear identity when one has numerous options for identity available?

2. Why does Erikson think that biology is shallow and inaccurate?

3. What does Erikson mean when he refers to the adaptive ego?

4. What is the overriding issue concerning Erikson's proposal of ideologies and identity development?

5. According to Erikson, why is preoccupation with identity the symptom of alienation?

6. What does Erikson think is the driving force for the more inclusive identity?

7. What is Erikson state that is so difficult for black youth to find their identity?

8. What does Erikson think is different about the male and female focus of identity?

9. According to Erikson what is necessary for a woman to form her identity?

10. The why does Erikson feel that anatomy is destiny?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the history of race identity development in America and provide an explanation of the current state of minority identity development.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the importance of using case history to develop a theory of identity. Is this method valid? Why or why not? What other methods could be used in developing valid theory of identity development?

Essay Topic 3

In discussing the development of identity, Erikson briefly mentions the problem of early childhood development and the high presence of female teachers. Why is this situation problematic? What might teachers do to reduce problems in development during this time?

(see the answer keys)

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