AP Psychology Practice Test

What operates on the pleasure principle according to Freud?

1. ego

2. superego

3. id

4. Oedipus complex

The correct answer is: id

The id operates on the pleasure principle, which is a fundamental concept in Freud's psychoanalytic theory. The pleasure principle suggests that individuals are driven by the pursuit of immediate satisfaction and the avoidance of pain. As the most primitive part of the personality, the id contains our most basic instincts and desires, such as hunger, aggression, and sexuality, which seek instant gratification without considering the consequences. In this context, the id is essentially about fulfilling needs and desires without delay. It does not adhere to moral constraints or realistic considerations; instead, it operates purely on the desire for pleasure and the need to alleviate discomfort. The other components of Freud's model, such as the ego and superego, serve different functions. The ego, for instance, acts as a mediator between the desires of the id and the constraints of reality, working to satisfy the id in socially acceptable ways. Meanwhile, the superego incorporates the moral standards and ideals learned from parents and society, often opposing the id's desires. The Oedipus complex, while an important concept in understanding childhood development, does not operate on the pleasure principle itself, but rather describes a specific psychological conflict in the child's development. Thus, the id's operation on the pleasure principle is a