Life-span Development
Final Exam Questions
The exam will consist of one of the following five questions. On the exam you will be
limited to three written pages so make sure to be precise and eliminate unnecessary
elaborations.
1.) The traditional notion of development, exemplified by the cognitive theory of Piaget
and the psychoanalytic theory of Freud, has been reexamined by the modern life-span
theory of development. This new life-span perspective, led by researcher Paul Baltes,
proposes ten principles of developmental change. Please examine in detail each of these
ten components and provide one example for each of the ten components from our
readings, class lectures, discussions, and student presentations.
2.) One of the most fundamental questions faced by adolescent developmental
researchers is whether the “Storm and Stress” of adolescence is a phenomena experienced
only by Western adolescents or is the “Storm and Stress” of adolescence a phenomena
experienced by adolescents in all cultures. Please provide three elaborate examples from
our readings, class lectures, discussions, and student presentations supporting each side of
the argument. (Three examples for universality and three for culture)
3.) Describe Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development. Additionally, when you
describe his theory of identity vs. role confusion provide an elaboration on Marcia’s four
identity statuses. Finally, provide an example for each of Erikson’s stages of how the
theory translates into practical application based on our readings, class lectures,
discussions, and student presentations.
4.) During the semester we examined many aspects of an individual’s social network.
Please provide a detailed examination of the history of theory and research regarding
social relationships including changes that have occurred in recent times. Once you are
done with the history of social relations in general, provide a more detailed account of
current research on the relationship with mother, father, siblings, romantic partners,
friends, and peers.
5.) In article # 14, Arnett proposes three key elements in the difficulty of adolescence.
Explain in detail the three elements and provide two detailed examples for each of the
elements from our class lectures, discussions, and student presentations.