Which one of the following methods was NOT used by Sigmund Freud to understand the internal functioning of the mind:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Fictional finalism
Option (1) Fictional finalism — Not a method of Freud (Correct). It is an idea of Alfred Adler: in his individual psychology, people are pulled forward by goals they imagine for their future, even goals that may never be reached. It describes what guides behaviour, not a technique for exploring the mind, and it is not Freud’s.
Option (2) Hypnosis — A method Freud used (Incorrect). Freud used hypnosis early in his career to treat people with physical and emotional problems. He then noticed that patients felt better when they talked about their problems, and moved to other methods.
Option (3) Free-association — A method Freud used (Incorrect). The person says openly every thought, feeling and idea that comes to mind, without holding anything back, so that hidden, unconscious material can come out.
Option (4) Dream analysis — A method Freud used (Incorrect). Freud saw dreams as a disguised way in which unconscious wishes find expression, so studying them, like studying slips of the tongue (analysis of errors), shows what the mind keeps hidden.
Note: Hypnosis, free association and dream analysis are all given in NCERT (2025-26) as the methods Freud used, but the term ‘fictional finalism’ is not mentioned in NCERT (2025-26). It comes from Alfred Adler, whose theory the book describes as one in which human behaviour is purposeful and goal-directed. Since the other three options are Freud’s methods as given in NCERT, Option (1) is the one he did not use.
NCERT (2025-26): “Psychodynamic Approach … This view owes largely to the contributions of Sigmund Freud. He was a physician, and developed this theory in the course of his clinical practice. Early in his career he used hypnosis to treat people with physical and emotional problems. He noted that many of his patients needed to talk about their problems, and having talked about them, they often felt better. Freud used free association (a method in which a person is asked to openly share all the thoughts, feelings and ideas that come to her/his mind), dream analysis, and analysis of errors to understand the internal functioning of the mind.…” “Alfred Adler : Lifestyle and Social Interest Adler’s theory is known as individual psychology. His basic assumption is that human behaviour is purposeful and goal-directed. Each one of us has the capacity to choose and create. Our personal goals are the sources of our motivation.…” |