In the psychodynamic perspective on personality, what field was the primary focus of Sigmund Freud's work?

• A. Behaviorist learning principles based on operant conditioning
• B. Neurology and the clinical treatment of mental disorders (psychoanalysis)
• C. Cognitive information-processing models of memory and attention
• D. Social psychology research on conformity and group influence

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the main focus of Sigmund Freud's work within the psychodynamic perspective, which emphasizes unconscious processes and early childhood experiences.
2. Understand that Freud's approach was rooted in clinical practice, particularly in treating mental disorders through psychoanalysis.
3. Recognize that Freud originally trained in neurology, which influenced his scientific approach to understanding the mind.
4. Distinguish Freud's work from other psychological fields such as behaviorism, cognitive psychology, and social psychology, which focus on different aspects of behavior and mental processes.
5. Conclude that Freud's primary focus was on neurology and the clinical treatment of mental disorders, specifically through psychoanalysis.