AP Psych 3.6b Reading Questions, 2025-26

Using Erikson's stages of psychosocial development, analyze how a 16-year-old student's behavior might differ at home versus at school versus online.

• a. Define Erikson's "identity vs. role confusion" stage and explain why adolescents try out different "selves"

• b. Describe two specific examples of how this student might act differently in these three environments

• c. Explain how this behavior demonstrates the normal process of identity formation rather than being problematic

Compare the reading's explanation of peer influence during adolescence to what you observe in your own school environment.

• a. Quote or paraphrase the reading's claim about how peer influence changes during adolescence

• b. Describe how this aligns or contrasts with specific peer behaviors you've witnessed in your school

• c. Analyze what the "selection effect" reveals about whether teens are victims of peer pressure or active choosers of their social groups

Imagine explaining "emerging adulthood" to a parent who believes their 22-year-old should be completely independent.

• a. Use the reading's definition of emerging adulthood to explain why this developmental stage exists in modern Western cultures

• b. Provide two specific social or economic factors mentioned in the reading that contribute to this extended transition period

• c. Reflect on whether this parent's expectations are realistic given current cultural conditions, and explain your reasoning

Evaluate the reading's claim that "parents may be less like potters who mold clay, and more like gardeners who provide the soil" using both the text and your own observations.

• a. Define what this metaphor means in terms of parental influence on adolescent development

• b. Provide one example from your life and one from the reading that either supports or challenges this gardening approach

• c. Conclude with your judgment: Does this metaphor accurately describe effective parenting during adolescence? Justify your answer with evidence

Consider the reading's discussion of well-being across the lifespan. Choose two age groups (adolescence, emerging adulthood, middle age, or older adulthood) and explain how social relationships impact happiness differently at each stage.

• a. Identify your two age groups and define what "well-being" encompasses based on the reading

• b. Describe a specific way social relationships affect happiness or life satisfaction at each stage

• c. Analyze how these differences demonstrate that human social needs change throughout development

The reading discusses both "identity" and "social identity." Why is understanding the difference between these concepts important for adolescent development?

• a. Define each term using the reading's explanations

• b. Explain how confusion between personal identity and group identity could affect an adolescent's sense of self

• c. Provide an example of a situation where balancing individual identity with social identity might create conflict for a teenager

Imagine a culture that eliminated the emerging adulthood period and required 18-year-olds to immediately assume full adult responsibilities. Based on the reading, predict how this might affect young people's development.

• a. Define emerging adulthood and explain what developmental tasks typically occur during this period

• b. Predict one specific problem that might arise in identity formation, career development, and relationship formation without this transitional stage

• c. Argue whether eliminating emerging adulthood would benefit or harm young people's development, supporting your position with evidence from the text

The reading suggests that successful aging involves achieving Erikson's sense of "integrity." What does this imply about how you should approach your current life choices, and how might this perspective influence your future decisions?

• a. Restate what Erikson means by "integrity" in late adulthood and how it relates to life satisfaction

• b. Give one personal example of a current choice or goal that could contribute to (or detract from) your future sense of integrity

• c. Reflect on how understanding these developmental stages might influence your decisions about relationships, career, or personal growth in the coming years