In developmental psychology, the adolescent period is commonly divided into which three stages?

• A. Preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational
• B. Infancy, childhood, and adulthood
• C. Early adolescence, middle adolescence, and late adolescence
• D. Sensorimotor, preadolescence, and postadolescence

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the question asks about the common division of the adolescent period in developmental psychology, which focuses on the stages within adolescence rather than broader life stages or cognitive development stages.
2. Recall that developmental psychology often breaks down adolescence into three distinct stages based on age ranges and developmental characteristics: early adolescence, middle adolescence, and late adolescence.
3. Recognize that other options like 'Preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational' refer to Piaget's cognitive development stages, not adolescent stages.
4. Note that 'Infancy, childhood, and adulthood' are broad life stages and do not specifically describe subdivisions within adolescence.
5. Confirm that the correct division of adolescence is 'Early adolescence, middle adolescence, and late adolescence,' which captures the progression of physical, emotional, and social development during the adolescent years.