Question

According to Freud's theory, the ego _________.

1) A is the executive part of personality.
2) develops before the id.
3) operates on the pleasure principle.
4) D is the major source of guilt feelings.
5) operates only on a conscious level.

Answer 1

The ego is Freud's term for the executive part of personality that balances the primitive desires of the id with the moral supervision of the superego, operating on the reality principle.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to Freud's theory, the ego is the executive part of personality. It is responsible for balancing the primitive desires of the id, which operates on the pleasure principle, and the moral guidelines of the superego. The ego operates on the reality principle, meaning that it attempts to satisfy the id's desires in a realistic and socially appropriate manner. The ego is not the main source of guilt feelings; that role falls to the superego, which acts as our conscience. Nor does the ego operate solely on a conscious level; it functions both consciously and unconsciously. It does not develop before the id; the id is present from birth, while the ego develops through social interactions and the need to manage the demands of the id within the context of real-world constraints.

Answer 2

The ego, according to Freud's theory, is the part of personality that operates on the reality principle, balancing the desires of the id and the morals of the superego.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to Freud's theory, the ego is the executive part of personality, which means option 1) A is the correct answer. The ego's primary function is to balance the instinctual desires of the id and the moral demands of the superego. The id operates on the pleasure principle, seeking immediate gratification, whereas the superego develops through social interactions and acts as a moral compass. The ego operates on the reality principle, mediating between the desires of the id and the norms of the superego, striving to meet the needs of both in a socially acceptable manner. It does not operate only on a conscious level; it functions in both the conscious and unconscious realms.