Introduction: The Study of Adolescent Development Learning Objectives 1. Understand what it means to think of adolescence as a series of transitions and be able to provide examples of different potential boundaries in development. 2. Explain the different stages of adolescence (early, middle, and late) as well as emerging adulthood. 3. Describe the three major transitions (biological, cognitive, and social) of adolescence. 4. Understand the importance of context when thinking about adolescent development and identify the major contexts relevant to adolescent development. 5. Explain the major theoretical perspectives in studying adolescence and understand the similarities and differences between the theories. 6. Describe how the stereotypes associated with adolescence compare to scientific findings. Key Terms achievement adolescence autonomy biosocial theories early adolescence ecological perspective on human development emerging adulthood identity intimacy late adolescence learning theories middle adolescence organismic theories psychosocial puberty rite of passage sexuality sociological theories