According to Dr. Erikson, in which stage of human development does an individual learn right from wrong?

• A. Preschool
• B. Infancy
• C. Toddler
• D. School age

Answer: (A)

In Erikson’s theory, the stage where a child begins to act with purpose and must learn to manage guilt when overstepping boundaries occurs during the preschool years. Between roughly ages 3 and 6, children start initiating activities, making choices, and testing limits while also learning what behaviors are acceptable through adults’ guidance and social norms. This is when the sense of initiative is formed, but if they are discouraged or punished too harshly, they can develop a sense of guilt about their actions. That combination of taking initiative and learning about boundaries aligns with the preschool period, making it the best fit. Infancy centers on trust vs. mistrust, toddlers on autonomy vs. shame and doubt, and the school-age period on industry vs. inferiority, which are less about the specific early development of initiating actions and conscience in the same way.