Question

Check your understanding of the implications of some of the major theories reviewed in this chapter by indicating who is likely to have made each of the statements quoted below. Choose from the following theorists: (a) Wilhelm Wundt, (b) William James, and (c) Sigmund Freud. You'll find the answers in Appendix A in the back of the book. ________________ He that has eyes to see and ears to hear may convince himself that no mortal can keep a secret. If the lips are silent, he chatters with his fingertips; betrayal oozes out of him at every pore. And thus the task of making conscious the most hidden recesses of the mind is one which it is quite possible to accomplish."

Short answer

Question: Which psychologist is most likely to have made the following statement: "He that has eyes to see and ears to hear may convince himself that no mortal can keep a secret. If the lips are silent, he chatters with his fingertips; betrayal oozes out of him at every pore. And thus the task of making conscious the most hidden recesses of the mind is one which it is quite possible to accomplish." Answer: (c) Sigmund Freud.

Step-by-step solution

Review the major theories

Review the major theories of each theorist: Wilhelm Wundt (founded structuralism and focused on the introspection method to study the conscious experience); William James (founded functionalism, final causes, pragmatism and focused on the adaptation of the mind to its environment); Sigmund Freud (founded psychoanalysis and focused on the role of the unconscious mind and the interpretation of dreams).

Analyze the quote

Analyze the given quote: "He that has eyes to see and ears to hear may convince himself that no mortal can keep a secret. If the lips are silent, he chatters with his fingertips; betrayal oozes out of him at every pore. And thus the task of making conscious the most hidden recesses of the mind is one which it is quite possible to accomplish."

Connect the quote to a theory

Connect the given quote to a major theory: The statement is related to the hidden recesses of the mind and the idea that it is possible to make these hidden aspects conscious. This idea is closely related to the work of Sigmund Freud, who focused on the unconscious mind and its influence on human behavior.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis of the quote and our understanding of the major theories of the three theorists mentioned, it is likely that the quote was made by (c) Sigmund Freud. His work focused on revealing the hidden aspects of the mind and he believed that the unconscious mind could be made conscious through specific techniques, like psychoanalysis.

Key concepts

Structuralism

Structuralism is considered the first school of thought in psychology, and it was established by Wilhelm Wundt in the late 19th century. The aim of structuralism was to deconstruct the human mind and understand its various components through a scientific approach. This concept can be understood by comparing it to the way a scientist might analyze the ingredients in a recipe. Wundt and his followers used a method called "introspection," which involved analyzing sensory experiences and breaking them down into basic elements. This means participants would describe their thoughts and feelings in response to stimuli, such as sounds or visuals.

• Structuralism was interested in the 'what' of mental processes, wanting to understand the elemental structure of the mind.
• The method involved detailed subjective reports of conscious experiences.
• Though influential, this approach was criticized for its lack of reliability and objectivity, as different people could report very different experiences.

Although structuralism faded as newer schools of thought emerged, it laid the groundwork for future psychological research by emphasizing systematic and scientific approaches to studying the mind.

Functionalism

Functionalism developed as a reaction to structuralism, spearheaded by William James in the early 20th century. Whereas structuralism focused on the elements of the mind, functionalism was interested in what the mind does—its functions—and how these help individuals adapt to their environment. James believed that mental processes could not be separated from their functions. He emphasized the purpose behind cognition and behavior. Rather than merely analyzing thoughts, functionalism explores why humans think, feel, and behave as they do.

• Functionalism is concerned with the 'why' and 'how' of mental processes.
• It emphasizes practical outcomes and how mental habits allow for adaptation and survival.
• James’s pragmatism encouraged studying consciousness in the context of real-world applications, such as education and work.

This approach influenced later schools of thought, particularly behaviorism and applied psychology, by underscoring the importance of real-life functions and adaptations.

Psychoanalysis

Psychoanalysis was developed by Sigmund Freud and is one of the most well-known psychological theories. It revolves around the idea that the unconscious mind influences behavior. Freud posited that our actions and feelings are driven by urges and memories buried deep within the unconscious. According to Freud, understanding the complexities of the unconscious mind can reveal mental disorders or psychological issues. He proposed techniques like dream analysis and free association to tap into the unconscious.

• Psychoanalysis focuses on bringing repressed thoughts and feelings to consciousness.
• Freud believed that unconscious conflicts often originate in childhood and can shape adult behavior.
• The theory introduced groundbreaking concepts like defense mechanisms and the psychosexual stages of development.

While Freud's ideas have been met with both acclaim and criticism, psychoanalysis has played a pivotal role in both clinical and theoretical psychology, emphasizing the profound influence of the unconscious mind on human behavior.