Psychology 342: Adolescence Study Guide
*Denotes a possible short answer question
1) Be familiar with the theoretical perspectives of the following figures discussed in
class:
Freud
Erickson
*Vygotsky*
Piaget
Know major ideas behind the theories, have a sense of what happens in different stages of
the theories, and fundamental differences between theories (e.g. Freud vs. Erickson,
Piaget vs. Vygotsky)
2) Be familiar with the following processes associated with hormonal changes in
adolescence:
Puberty
Menarche
Spermarche
Adrenarche
Menstruation
Androgen vs. Estrogen
*H,P,G, in the endocrine system*
(what the endocrine system and its role in the physical changes associated
with puberty)
Know the definitions, Also look at the diagram on Age at Menarche, know the trend
(what does the graph show)
3) Know the meaning of a cognitive process, and be familiar with the following terms
and ideas:
Inductive vs. Deductive Reasoning
Assimilation vs. Accommodation
Convergent vs. Divergent Thinking
Metacognition
Schema
4) Be able to explain the gender intensification hypothesis. Know what gender schema
theory says. Also, be able to explain sexual scripts and how they apply differently to
males vs. females. Be able to define gender stereotypes.
5) Be familiar with Alfred Binet’s 1st widely used IQ test. What was it created to
determine? Know some of the biases in intelligence testing (e.g. cultural bias). Also,
know the components of Sternberg’s Triarchic theory of intelligence, as well as
Gardner’s different types of intelligence or frame of mind.
6) Know what neuron is composed of and what the process of mylenation entails
(increase in what type of matter). Also, know what part of the brain is used by
adolescence to process information.
**7) Know Marcia’s 4 stages of identity development, be able to describe them.
8) Be able to distinguish Bicultural vs. Ethnic Identity.
9) Be familiar with the Big 5 factors of personality.
10) Know Self concept & Self-esteem. Know what they are and how self esteem changes
over time. Also, know ways of improving self esteem in adolescence.
11) Know the determining factors of contraceptive use in adolescence. Be aware of
sexual problems that occur in adolescence. Also know the difference between male and
female trends with sexual partners.
**12) Know Kohlberg’s process of Moral Development (Levels and Stages). Be familiar
with the Heinz Dilemma.
13) Be familiar with the disclosure process of a sexual minority youth. Who are they
likely to tell 1st? Be able to define homophobia.