Guillermo spends some time each day applying the principles of structuralism. Which activity is he most likely engaging in?

• A. He is investigating how rewards and punishments shape behavior.
• B. He is studying the influence of unconscious motives on behavior.
• C. He is carefully analyzing his own conscious experiences through introspection.
• D. He is focusing on how behavior helps people adapt to their environment.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the core principle of structuralism in psychology, which focuses on breaking down mental processes into their most basic components, primarily through introspection.
2. Step 2: Recognize that structuralism involves analyzing conscious experiences by examining sensations, feelings, and images as they occur, often through self-reflection or introspection.
3. Step 3: Compare the given options to the definition of structuralism: investigating rewards and punishments relates to behaviorism; unconscious motives relate to psychoanalysis; adaptation to environment relates to functionalism.
4. Step 4: Identify that the activity most aligned with structuralism is 'carefully analyzing his own conscious experiences through introspection,' as it directly involves examining the structure of the mind.
5. Step 5: Conclude that Guillermo is most likely engaging in introspection to analyze his conscious experiences, which is the hallmark method of structuralism.