In Marcia's theory, what are the two core questions used to determine identity status?

• A. Have you engaged in an active search for identity? Have you made commitments to values?
• B. Have you achieved autonomy from parents? Have you formed independent habits?
• C. Are you satisfied with life? Do you belong to a group?
• D. Have you resolved your past? Have you planned your future?

Answer: (A)

Marcia's theory evaluates identity by two dimensions: exploration and commitment. Exploration means actively seeking out information, options, and possibilities about who you could become. Commitment means making clear choices and sticking to values, beliefs, and goals you’ve decided on. The two questions she uses to determine identity status directly tap these dimensions: Have you engaged in an active search for identity? Have you made commitments to values?

So this option fits best because it reflects both exploration (active search) and commitment (making commitments to values), which together define the identity statuses Marcia describes. The other choices bring in ideas like autonomy from parents, life satisfaction, group belonging, or planning the future, which don’t capture the core exploration and commitment elements that Marcia uses to assess identity status.