Name_______________________________

Here are your instructions:  The essay questions below were written with Chapters 9 to 12 in mind. However, you may use any of the concepts of adolescent development and behavior.  You are limited to SEVEN pages of text and only seven pages for the entire exam (based on a standard double spaced typed page with 1" margins). Recapitulations of entire passages from the text are not encouraged!  The point of this final exercise is for you to integrate concepts from the text, class, and your own experience. Insightful answers, full of daring thoughts, are expected. Completed exams are due on Thursday of  finals week.

Case #1 - Mr. Smith is a man who says he loves his family, is active in the community where he lives, and has a fairly high profile in local media.  As the elected City Manager of his town, he oversees the funding of municipal building projects. Recently it was discovered that his office has been awarding contracts to builders based on the contractors willingness to contribute to his re-election campaign. It appears that part of his ill-gotten campaign funds have been diverted to pay the salaries of two young "personal assistants" who seem to have no office skills or special training.  Mr. Smith's lawyer claims that his client hasn't been doing anything that is illegal, and that his methods are "right in line with those of other elected officials."  A court inquiry has been put on hold because Mr. Smith's wife and children have been traumatized by the stories appearing in the newspaper.

Case #2- Bobby is a fifteen year old who likes games and television, but could be in real trouble.  While outwardly presenting an "intellectual" exterior to friends and teachers, Bobby has been secretly paying another student to do school work. There is a long tradition in Bobby's family to excel in school and work.  Bobby's dad has often said, "Winning isn't everything, it's the only thing!", which Bobby uses to justify the dishonesty.  Because Bobby doesn't have much money, there have been several incidents of stealing money and items from school lockers, to finance the cheating and cover-up.

Questions:
1A. In what ways might Mr. Smith and Bobby see the world differently in terms of basic right and wrong?  Rate each person in terms of Kohlberg's levels of moral development and give your reasons for doing so (for example, how can inconsistent values and behaviors co-exist?).  Give your reasons. Are there differences between each one's achievement motivation? 5 points

1B. Interestingly, Kohlberg's Moral Development scale was developed for use on children and adolescents.  Thinking about your answer to A) above,  why is our culture willing to allow adults more latitude in their ethical and moral actions than adolescents?  Is Bobby a boy or a girl? Give your reasons for your answer. Are Mr. Smith's reasons for actions feminine responses? 5 points

2. Describe the at least five situations and five cognitive factors related to sexually active adolescents' failure to adequately use contraceptives and pregnancy.   How is the high rate of ADOLESCENT SEXUAL ACTIVITY influenced by the determinants of gender identity? 5 Points

3. List and explain five of the main reasons for increases in the teenage pregnancy rate in the U.S since the 1960s.  List five of the main social effects of this increase.  Outline a five point social program to drastically reduce the teenage pregnancy rate in the country. 15 Points

4. According to the text, what are the determining variables influencing adolescents' use of drugs and participation in delinquent behaviors?  Except in extreme cases of drug use and delinquent behavior, most adolescents experiment in such activities due primarily to peer pressure and the need for acceptance by their group.  How might parents minimize these activities in their own adolescent children? 10 points

5. Explain how an individual's gender and social class background influence adolescent mental health?  What has all this got to do with "learned helplessness"?  What gender differences exist in the type of mental health problems that adolescents manifest? 10 points

6. List and describe six strategies that many adolescents use to avoid stress.    How may adults be responsive and helpful to stressed, and distressed, adolescents?  10 Points

7. Describe the conditions that are responsible for the problem of substance abuse among teenagers in America.  What can be done to curb the rising use of drugs and alcohol?  10 Points

8. The research evidence seems to suggest that adolescent females are more easily affected by gender role stereotypes than are males. Would you agree with this observation?  Explain your answer. 10 Points

9. Rank the following in terms of difficulty in performance for both boys and girls (5 points):
    -Changing a flat tire       -Choosing clothes that match
    -Improving your skill in baseball -Improving your ability to express your feelings
    -Listening to others        -Being selfish with your time
    -Remembering important dates  -Writing thoughtful letters

Explain why there are any differences in the order of your lists for boys and girls in terms your knowledge of gender role development and identity achievement.

10. Thinking about Careers and College, choose one of the theories of vocational choice discussed in the text and outline your personal route to your realization of educational and career goals based on principles from the textbook and class discussion. 15 points.