According to the psychodynamic perspective, the psychoanalytic approach primarily focuses on which aspect of personality development?

• A. Observable behaviors and learned responses
• B. Cultural influences and social norms
• C. Genetic inheritance and biological factors
• D. Unconscious motives and conflicts

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the psychodynamic perspective in psychology emphasizes the role of unconscious processes in shaping personality.
2. Recognize that the psychoanalytic approach, founded by Sigmund Freud, focuses on exploring unconscious motives and internal conflicts that influence behavior and personality development.
3. Differentiate this from other perspectives: observable behaviors relate to behaviorism, cultural influences relate to sociocultural perspectives, and genetic inheritance relates to biological perspectives.
4. Identify that the key aspect of personality development in the psychoanalytic approach is the influence of unconscious motives and conflicts, which are often rooted in early childhood experiences.
5. Conclude that the psychoanalytic approach primarily focuses on uncovering these unconscious elements to understand personality, rather than focusing on external behaviors, cultural factors, or genetics.