Which of the following best describes the iceberg theory as it relates to psychology?

• A. It argues that human development occurs in distinct, observable stages, each building upon the previous one.
• B. It suggests that much of human behavior is influenced by unconscious processes, with only a small portion of mental activity visible at the conscious level, similar to how most of an iceberg is hidden beneath the surface.
• C. It states that all psychological phenomena can be explained by biological factors alone.
• D. It proposes that psychological research should focus only on observable behaviors, ignoring internal mental states.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the iceberg theory in psychology is a metaphor used to describe the structure of the mind, particularly in psychoanalytic theory.
2. Recognize that the theory suggests the mind has different levels: the conscious mind (what we are aware of) and the unconscious mind (thoughts, memories, and desires not immediately accessible).
3. Visualize the iceberg: the small visible tip above water represents conscious awareness, while the much larger portion beneath the surface represents the unconscious.
4. Interpret that much of human behavior is influenced by unconscious processes, which are not directly observable but affect feelings, thoughts, and actions.
5. Conclude that the iceberg theory emphasizes the importance of unconscious mental activity in understanding human psychology, rather than focusing solely on observable behavior or biological factors.