In a discussion with your professor, she tells you that she believes that the focus of psychological study should be to break the conscious experience into its basic elements. Which of the following historical schools of thought is your professor's idea most consistent with?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Structuralism. Structuralism, as introduced by Wundt, aimed to break down mental processes into their most basic elements. This aligns with the idea of breaking the conscious experience into its fundamental components. Choice A, Behaviorism, focuses on observable behavior and not on breaking down conscious experience. Choice B, Functionalism, emphasizes the purpose of behavior rather than breaking it down into basic elements. Choice D, Psychoanalysis, delves into unconscious processes and conflicts, which is different from breaking down conscious experiences into basic elements.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Dr. Smythe's belief that understanding the purpose of taste in survival is more critical than focusing on the elementary components aligns with the functionalist approach to psychology. Functionalism emphasizes understanding the purpose or function of mental processes and behavior, rather than just analyzing their individual components. This approach looks at how mental processes help individuals adapt to their environment and survive. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not prioritize understanding the purpose of mental processes and behavior in the context of survival.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: William James is credited with founding functionalism, which emphasizes the adaptive purpose of consciousness. John Watson is associated with behaviorism, not functionalism. Sigmund Freud is known for psychoanalysis, and Wilhelm Wundt is considered the founder of modern psychology and structuralism, not functionalism.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Sigmund Freud developed psychoanalysis, not behavior modification, primal therapy, or rational-emotive therapy, as an innovative method for treating psychological problems. Psychoanalysis focuses on exploring unconscious motivations to understand and address psychological disorders, making it the correct answer. Behavior modification involves changing behavior through conditioning techniques, primal therapy emphasizes expressing repressed emotions, and rational-emotive therapy aims to identify and change irrational beliefs.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Psychoanalytic theory focuses on the unconscious determinants of behavior to explain personality, motivation, and mental disorders. This approach suggests that hidden forces in the unconscious mind influence our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, shaping our overall psychological makeup. Choice A is incorrect because psychoanalytic theory delves beyond observable behavior. Choice B is incorrect as psychoanalytic theory goes deeper than analyzing conscious experience alone. Choice D is incorrect as psychoanalytic theory is more concerned with unconscious processes rather than the function or purpose of consciousness.