In the free association technique of psychoanalysis, the ________.

• A. client is encouraged to say whatever comes to mind without censorship or filtering
• B. therapist uses reinforcement to shape desired behaviors
• C. client is asked to complete personality inventories
• D. therapist interprets dreams to uncover unconscious conflicts

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the free association technique is a method used in psychoanalysis, a theory and therapy developed by Sigmund Freud.
2. Recognize that the goal of free association is to explore the unconscious mind by allowing thoughts to flow freely without censorship.
3. Identify that in this technique, the client is encouraged to say whatever comes to mind, no matter how trivial or embarrassing, to reveal hidden thoughts and feelings.
4. Note that this differs from other techniques such as reinforcement (behavioral therapy), personality inventories (psychometric assessments), or dream interpretation (another psychoanalytic method).
5. Conclude that the correct description of free association is that the client is encouraged to say whatever comes to mind without censorship or filtering.