Final answer:
Seniors are generally assumed to have a stronger sense of identity than first-year students, as they have had more time to integrate their experiences and develop self-concepts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of whether seniors or first-year students have a stronger sense of identity can be approached by considering the developmental stages outlined by psychologist Erik Erikson. During adolescence, one's main task is the development of identity versus role confusion, as adolescents ask themselves, "Who am I?" and "What do I want to do with my life?" Successful navigation of this stage leads to a stronger sense of self, while failure can result in a weak sense of self and confusion about the future.
As students transition to college or university, they continue to develop their identity. They confront new cultural environments that broaden their worldview, reconciling their existing identities with emerging experiences and knowledge. It's a time for figuring out who they already are and exploring who they aim to be, leading to both personal growth and the potential for identity confusion. Erikson argued that one must have a strong sense of identity before engaging in intimate relationships, which becomes prominent in early adulthood. This implies that the process of identity formation continues beyond the teenage years into adulthood.