3.1.4 Freud’s psychodynamic explanation

Question 1

What is the ID?

Answer 1

instinctive part of personality that comprises of biological urges, when ignored, aggressive urges emerge

Question 2

What was Freud’s belief?

Answer 2

that humans are inherently anti social and are driven by egocentric urges of ID within constraints from parents and society

Question 3

What is the Ego?

Answer 3

aims to challenge urges of ID within constraints of parents and society

Question 4

What is the Superego?

Answer 4

provides a set of values and goals, causes moral standards and develops as children pass through Oedipus or Electra complex

Question 5

What is the Oedipus complex?

Answer 5

idea that boys around 5 develop sexual desire for mother and sees father as rival so fears him (specifically castration)
boy realises his feelings are inappropriate so internalises his father and takes on his superego and moral values

Question 6

What is the Electra complex?

Answer 6

idea that girls have weaker morals as they don’t have a penis so can’t fear castration

Question 7

How did Freud suggest this could cause aggression?

Answer 7

if superego is harsh/weak/deviant due to poor/absenting parenting then it could lead to crime and aggression
-id, ego and superego should be appropriately balanced

Question 8

Evaluate Freud’s theory (strengths)

Answer 8

-use of case studies which were investigated in depth and many aspects looked at, including their background and mental state

Question 9

Evaluate Freud’s theory (weaknesses)

Answer 9

-low validity as unscientific methods were used, with qualitative data, concepts in this theory are not measurable
-low generalisability due to use of case studies, and fact that Freud worked in middle class Vienna with mostly women