William James, who was a pioneer in the development of functionalism, was most heavily influenced by?

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Psychological Exam Questions

Question 1 of 5

William James, who was a pioneer in the development of functionalism, was most heavily influenced by?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: William James was heavily influenced by Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, which shaped his functionalist views on psychology. This influence is evident in James's emphasis on adaptation, survival, and the functional purposes of behavior. Choice B, Sigmund Freud, is incorrect because Freud's psychoanalytic theory focused on unconscious processes and childhood experiences, which differ significantly from James's functionalism. Choice C, John Watson, is incorrect as Watson was a behaviorist who emphasized observable behavior and rejected mental processes, which contrasts with James's focus on mental processes. Choice D, B.F. Skinner, is also incorrect as Skinner was a behaviorist known for his work on operant conditioning, which is not directly aligned with James's functionalist perspective.

Question 2 of 5

Which of the following views is most consistent with the notion that unconscious motivations can influence our overt behavior?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Sigmund Freud. Freud's psychoanalytic theory emphasized the impact of unconscious motivations on behavior. Carl Rogers (choice A) is known for person-centered therapy emphasizing self-actualization, Wilhelm Wundt (choice B) is a structuralist in psychology focusing on consciousness, and B.F. Skinner (choice C) is associated with behaviorism and operant conditioning, which do not primarily focus on unconscious motivations.

Question 3 of 5

What major departure did Freud's position have from prevailing viewpoints around the early 1900s?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Freud's major departure from prevailing viewpoints around the early 1900s was that he viewed people as not fully aware of the forces that control their behavior. This is reflected in his emphasis on unconscious forces influencing behavior. Choice A is incorrect as Freud focused on psychological rather than solely biological causes. Choice C is incorrect as Freud's theory did not emphasize free will but rather unconscious drives. Choice D is incorrect as Freud emphasized internal psychological forces over external environmental factors.

Question 4 of 5

Which theoretical orientation insisted on the verifiability of observation?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Behaviorism. Behaviorism emphasizes observable and measurable behaviors, making it essential for observations to be verifiable. Structuralism (A) focuses on the structure of the mind, not verifiability of observations. Functionalism (B) emphasizes the functions of the mind rather than verification of observations. Psychoanalysis (D) delves into the unconscious mind and conflicts, not specifically on the verifiability of observations.

Question 5 of 5

According to John Watson, behavior is governed primarily by?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: According to John Watson, behavior is primarily governed by environmental factors. Watson was a behaviorist who emphasized the influence of the environment on behavior. He believed that behavior is shaped by external stimuli and experiences, rather than internal factors like heredity or unconscious desires. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not align with Watson's perspective on behaviorism.

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