The field of developmental psychology is always being questioned and therefore expanded. Thousands of renowned psychologists have contributed to this process, two of which are Erik Erikson and Lawrence Kohlberg. Both have left an imprint on the great expanding wall of psychology; however they dabbled in very different aspects of development. Their similarities and differences help determine which ones contribute more to the field of developmental psychology and, in so doing, contribute more to the institution of psychology as a whole. Erikson was particularly interested in the stages of life and what is mental, emotional and physical. developments occurred within these age groups. He outlined a set of developmental “tasks” or a developmental agenda that is followed by all human beings throughout the life cycle. The tasks are in sequential order and each task builds on the previous one. For example, a teenager who fails to establish a solid identity will not be able to transition to healthy intimacy. The stages outlined by Erikson begin with Trust vs. Distrust, which is dictated primarily by the quality of the relationship between mother and child. If the child allows the mother to disappear from sight without getting angry, it shows trust. The next task is Autonomy versus Shame. This stage consists of the child learning independence or feeling doubtful about his or her abilities. An example of autonomy at this stage would be the child who says “no” to virtually everything in an attempt to make his or her own choices. The next phase, Initiative vs. Guilt, is similar to the previous one. It is characterized by the child's attempt to formulate and carry out plans or by feeling guilty for attempting to establish independence. Erikson's next step, Industry... middle of paper... satisfied candidate. Although morality plays an important role in everyday life, it is a small footnote in the broad spectrum of developmental psychology. Erikson did a greater service to the field because he developed a more thorough, thoughtful, and relevant theory. His theory has even more uses than Kohlberg's. Erikson's theory can be applied to parenting, counseling, education, and more. Of course, both psychologists have greatly shaped the modern view of development, and both deserve the utmost respect for their achievements and achievements in the field of developmental psychology. Their work has helped educate people around the world about the need for basic trust, a sense of identity and morality. Many psychologists before them have emphasized the need for work and love, but Erikson and Kohlberg dug deeper and showed people why they are the way they are..