Dr. Bonnie R. Seegmiller Human Development

PSYCH 150

REVIEW SHEET FOR EXAM III: Childhood and Adolescence

INTRODUCTION: General Characteristics of Childhood

1. Why do we distinguish between different stages of childhood; what are the developmental tasks, characteristics, and crises of each stage? What kinds of conditions lead to different resolutions to these crises, in Erikson's view?

2. Do the different crises and their resolutions play continued roles in development(and if so how) or are they important only at one particular stage?

3. Describe physical growth and motor-skill development. How does physical growth and coordination relate to social and psychological development? What are the developmental tasks of childhood?

FAMILIES AND CHILD-REARING

1. What is socialization, and what is usually considered to be the most important socializer of the child? What is the family's role in socialization?

2. Belsky identifies three major determinants of parental functioning. What are these and how do they affect socialization?

3. What three dimensions of parenting practices seem to be most important in being associated with / shaping children's personality and behavior? Discuss the effects of each of these practices and combinations of practices on children's behavior and development.

4. Analyze each of the following parental styles, based on Baumrind's research, and explain how each contributes to the development of socially responsible and independent behavior:

a. Authoritarian b. Authoritative c. Permissive

Do any of these different types of parenting styles seem do have different effects depending on the gender of the child?

5. What kinds of parenting practices/styles seem to facilitate the development of socially responsible and independent behavior in children? What kinds of parenting practices encourage positive compliance (rather than unquestioning obedience or lack of compliance)?

6. Identify some of the difficulties and advantages that children in joint custody arrangements may experience.

7. Discuss the research findings regarding lesbian and gay parenthood.

8. Summarize the research findings on sibling relationships with regard to birth order, (Ordinal position), family size, and sibling gender Don't worry about confluence and resource dilution theory.

9. What is a "good enough" parent as opposed to a "perfect" parent.

ABUSE

1. What constitutes abuse? What kinds of factors influence definitions of abuse? Is spanking abuse ? What about other practices, such as male/female circumcision, ear piercing, puberty rites, etc. Would any of these be labeled abuse? Why or why not?

2. Cite findings on the following topics pertaining to child abuse and neglect:

a. The different types of child abuse and neglect

b. The characteristics of victims of abuse and neglect

c. The characteristics of abusive and neglectful parents.

3. Summarize the research findings on the sexual abuse of children.

4. What serve as risk factors for abuse? Are some children more at risk for abuse than others? If so, which?

5. Describe the three major theories that attempt to explain abuse. Are they necessarily mutually exclusive?

PEERS, PLAY, AND SOCIAL INTERACTIONS

1. What are "roles?"

2. Define "peers." What kinds of qualitative changes occur in peer friendship patterns throughout childhood? Describe differences and similarities between childhood and adult friendships and peer interactions.

3. Describe the different kinds of play. When does social play begin? What functions does play serve; how does play contribute to children's development? How does play change during childhood?

4. Throughout childhood, children's interactive patterns change: How and why? What functions do peer groups serve? Are there gender differences in play and in peer groups? If so, what are they and how do they change throughout childhood. What kinds of factors might contribute to gender segregation among children?

6. How does social acceptance and rejection relate to the following characteristics: physical attractiveness and body build, behavioral characteristics, social maturity.

7. Discuss the meaning, origins, and factors associated with the development of self-esteem. How does self-esteem in children relate to parental self-esteem and child-rearing practices?

COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT IN CHILDHOOD

1. Compare and contrast the thinking of the pre-operational, and concrete operational child. Describe symbol use, conservation performance, (de)centering, state vs. transformational reasoning, (non)reversibility, compensation, operations, animism/realism, and egocentrism.

ADOLESCENCE

1. Describe what Erickson calls the main crisis of task of adolescence; explain the perils of a negative resolution to this crisis, and the benefits of a positive resolution.

2. Explain the dramatic changes that occur at puberty. Define puberty and adolescence? Are they the synonymous?

3. Describe the adolescent growth spurt?

4. What is menarche? What influences it and how?

5. Discuss how early or late physical maturation can affect the self-image of boys and girls.

6. Describe and use contemporary research findings to evaluate G. Stanley Hall's theory about adolescent "storm and stress." Is it currently considered a myth or a fact?

7. What kinds of factors influence the self-esteem and self-concept of adolescents? What are the gender, ethnic, socioeconomic, or cultural differences that need be considered?

8. Describe why Piaget called adolescence the period of formal operations. How does thought during this period differ from earlier thought?

9. Define "adolescent egocentricity," "personal fable," "imaginary audience" and know their relevance for adolescence.

8. What is meant by the term "generation gap."

9. Discuss the developmental phases and functions of adolescent peer groups.

10. Explain the influence of adolescents' families on their behaviors. How do peers and families differ in their influences on and experiences provided to adolescents?

11. Discuss the power relationship between adolescents and their families

12. How do each of the following influence adolescent behavior: sexual attraction, dating, adolescent views of love

14. How has AIDS impacted on adolescent perceptions and behaviors?

15. Critically appraise the newly emerging code of sexual morality in adolescence, taking into consideration the data on adolescent contraceptive use and pregnancy.

16. Summarize what is known about the following at-risk behaviors of adolescents:

drug abuse, teenage suicide, antisocial behaviors and juvenile delinquency, and high school drop-outs