US High School Psychology Practice Exam

In which context would Freud argue an individual is expressing their id?

1. When they delay gratification for future rewards

2. When they feel guilt after an action

3. When they act impulsively for immediate pleasure

4. When they rationally analyze a situation

The correct answer is: When they act impulsively for immediate pleasure

Freud's concept of the id is rooted in the idea of primal instincts and desires. The id is the part of the personality that comprises our most basic drives, such as those for food, water, sex, and other pleasures. It operates on the pleasure principle, seeking immediate satisfaction of its desires without considering the consequences or social norms. In the context of acting impulsively for immediate pleasure, this directly aligns with the id's functions. When an individual follows their cravings or engages in behavior without delay for future gratification—such as eating a dessert even when they are not hungry or spending money impulsively—they are essentially acting on the whims and demands of their id. This scenario distinctly exemplifies how the id influences behavior by prioritizing immediate fulfillment of desires over more delayed or thought-out actions. Other scenarios presented involve concepts that are more related to self-control or social awareness. Delaying gratification requires the involvement of the ego, which mediates between reality and the id's demands. Feeling guilt usually suggests the influence of the superego, which imposes moral standards and can lead to self-criticism. Rationally analyzing a situation is also a function of the ego, which utilizes reasoning and planning rather than the unrestrained desire characteristic of the