Final answer:
The purpose of free association in psychology is to lower defenses so that unconscious thoughts and feelings will emerge.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of free association in psychology is to lower defenses so that unconscious thoughts and feelings will emerge. Free association is a technique used in psychoanalysis, which was developed by Sigmund Freud. It involves the patient freely expressing their thoughts and feelings without censorship, allowing unconscious material to come to the surface.