Freud's Psychodynamic Theory

Question 1

Conscious

Answer 1

The part of our memories and mind that can be easily and readily accessed. It is all aspects of thinking that the individual is aware of e.g. answering an exam question

Question 2

Preconscious

Answer 2

Part of our memories that are more difficult to access but still can be when thought about e.g. Recent events, Old photos bringing back childhood memories

Question 3

Unconscious

Answer 3

Memories and thoughts that we can no longer access yet still can influence us e.g. Past traumas such as getting lost as a child

Question 4

The Id

3

Answer 4

Unconscious mind
Urges and desires
Based on the ‘Pleasure Principle’ and therefore has no rational, if denied it becomes frustrated

Question 5

The Ego

5

Answer 5

Conscious mind 
Develops within toddlers 
Based on the 'Reality Principle' because it has logic 
Tries to get what the ID wants 
Understands punishment yet has no guilt

Question 6

Superego

3

Answer 6

Acts as a voice of reason
Says when things are morally acceptable or not
Based on the ‘Morality Principle’

Question 7

Catharsis

Answer 7

Releasing strong energy in a healthy way e.g. Sport

Question 8

Catharsis SO

Answer 8

S - Verona and Sullivan (2008) found that those who acted aggressively after being frustrated in a task had a reduced heart rate than those who didn’t
O - Hokansan (1974) Found that catharsis increased the likelihood of later aggression - doesn’t work or is extremely temporary

Question 9

Freud’s Psychodynamic Theory Eval.

Answer 9

S - Can explain the difference between hot (impulsive, angry) & cold-blooded (deliberate & rational) aggression. Hot is controlled by the ID, cold by the ego as it controls the IDs impulses

Verona and Sullivan (2008) found that those who acted aggressively after being frustrated in a task had a reduced heart rate than those who didn’t

Hokansan (1974) Found that catharsis increased the likelihood of later aggression - doesn’t work or is extremely temporary

W - Created from case-by-case basis, little true scientific experiments supporting

A - Catharsis can be beneficial in reducing anger. Freud has offered a practical solution to aggression, benefitting society