PSY 357: Exam 1 || Top Grade Assured.
Discuss common adolescent stereotypes and their possible roots/causes. Why it is important to
separate fact from fiction? correct answers -lazy, entitled, privileged, self-absorbed, dependent,
reckless
-*Self-fulfilling prophecy*- if adolescents are constantly hearing these negative stereotypes
about their age group, they will eventually start acting in ways to confirm those behaviors
What does it mean to say that the transition to adolescence is two-sided? Explain and give
examples. correct answers -Privileges plus expectations
-Driving is an added privilege that comes with the added expectation that adolescents will not
speed, wear their seat belts, follow curfews, drive with 1 passenger, etc.
What are the common (universal) aspects of social redefinition? correct answers -Dating and
marriage
-Sexual development
-Real or symbolic separation from -parents
-Emphasis on differences between the sexes
-Passing on information from the older generation
What do inventionists believe about adolescence? And what is some of the evidence they
provide? correct answers Argue that adolescence is mainly a social invention because it is
defined primarily by the ways in which society recognizes (or does not recognize) the period as
distinct from childhood or adulthood-> it is only distinct because we view it that way
-They point to other cultures and other historical periods in which adolescence has been viewed
very differently
Describe how issues of clarity and continuity may affect the transition from adolescence to
adulthood correct answers -Causes problems in modern societies
-Given the absence of clarity:
-Inconsistencies in legal status
, -"marginal man/ woman" phenomenon (insecurities, anxieties)
-Differences in "subjective age" -> impacts behavior
How have our definitions of adulthood changed and why does it matter? correct answers 1960s:
(more concrete)
Graduate HS
Move out
Get job
Get married
Have kids
2000s: (more abstract)
Accept responsibility oneself
Decide own beliefs and values
Financial dependence
Capable of running household (especially men)
Equal relationship with parent (mutual respect)
Explain and give examples of the "paradox of choice" as presented by Barry Schwartz—what are
4 negative side effects of too much choice? And how does his research relate to the clarity and
continuity issues in the transition to adulthood? correct answers -Produces paralysis instead of
liberation-> too many options sometimes
-When we do make a choice, we end up less satisfied with the result of the choice than we would
be if we had fewer options to choose from (easy to think what could've be
-Choice helps you find best, but often makes you feel worse (high expectation and when choice
isn't perfect you feel bad)
-You are responsible for bad decisions because you could've done better
Discuss common adolescent stereotypes and their possible roots/causes. Why it is important to
separate fact from fiction? correct answers -lazy, entitled, privileged, self-absorbed, dependent,
reckless
-*Self-fulfilling prophecy*- if adolescents are constantly hearing these negative stereotypes
about their age group, they will eventually start acting in ways to confirm those behaviors
What does it mean to say that the transition to adolescence is two-sided? Explain and give
examples. correct answers -Privileges plus expectations
-Driving is an added privilege that comes with the added expectation that adolescents will not
speed, wear their seat belts, follow curfews, drive with 1 passenger, etc.
What are the common (universal) aspects of social redefinition? correct answers -Dating and
marriage
-Sexual development
-Real or symbolic separation from -parents
-Emphasis on differences between the sexes
-Passing on information from the older generation
What do inventionists believe about adolescence? And what is some of the evidence they
provide? correct answers Argue that adolescence is mainly a social invention because it is
defined primarily by the ways in which society recognizes (or does not recognize) the period as
distinct from childhood or adulthood-> it is only distinct because we view it that way
-They point to other cultures and other historical periods in which adolescence has been viewed
very differently
Describe how issues of clarity and continuity may affect the transition from adolescence to
adulthood correct answers -Causes problems in modern societies
-Given the absence of clarity:
-Inconsistencies in legal status
, -"marginal man/ woman" phenomenon (insecurities, anxieties)
-Differences in "subjective age" -> impacts behavior
How have our definitions of adulthood changed and why does it matter? correct answers 1960s:
(more concrete)
Graduate HS
Move out
Get job
Get married
Have kids
2000s: (more abstract)
Accept responsibility oneself
Decide own beliefs and values
Financial dependence
Capable of running household (especially men)
Equal relationship with parent (mutual respect)
Explain and give examples of the "paradox of choice" as presented by Barry Schwartz—what are
4 negative side effects of too much choice? And how does his research relate to the clarity and
continuity issues in the transition to adulthood? correct answers -Produces paralysis instead of
liberation-> too many options sometimes
-When we do make a choice, we end up less satisfied with the result of the choice than we would
be if we had fewer options to choose from (easy to think what could've be
-Choice helps you find best, but often makes you feel worse (high expectation and when choice
isn't perfect you feel bad)
-You are responsible for bad decisions because you could've done better
