According to William James, which concept is central to understanding personality from a psychodynamic perspective?

• A. Operant conditioning
• B. The stream of consciousness
• C. Self-actualization
• D. The collective unconscious

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the key figure mentioned in the problem: William James, a prominent psychologist known for his work in functionalism and the study of consciousness.
2. Understand the psychodynamic perspective, which focuses on unconscious processes and internal conflicts influencing personality.
3. Recall that William James emphasized the continuous and ever-changing nature of mental life, which he described as the 'stream of consciousness.'
4. Recognize that 'operant conditioning' relates to behaviorism, 'self-actualization' is a humanistic concept, and 'the collective unconscious' is associated with Carl Jung, not William James.
5. Conclude that the concept central to understanding personality from William James's psychodynamic perspective is the 'stream of consciousness,' highlighting the flow of thoughts and experiences shaping personality.