Which of the following statements is true of instincts as described by Freud?

• A. Freud considered instincts to be irrelevant to the development of personality.
• B. Freud argued that instincts are learned behaviors acquired through socialization.
• C. Freud believed that instincts are the primary source of human motivation and are rooted in unconscious processes.
• D. Freud described instincts as conscious desires that guide rational decision-making.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand Freud's concept of instincts, which he referred to as 'drives' or 'instinctual drives' that motivate human behavior from an unconscious level.
2. Step 2: Recognize that Freud did not consider instincts irrelevant; rather, he saw them as fundamental forces shaping personality development.
3. Step 3: Note that Freud did not view instincts as learned behaviors; instead, he believed they are innate and biologically based impulses.
4. Step 4: Understand that instincts, according to Freud, operate largely unconsciously and influence behavior and motivation without conscious awareness.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the statement 'Freud believed that instincts are the primary source of human motivation and are rooted in unconscious processes' accurately reflects Freud's theory.