US High School Psychology Practice Exam

In Freud's view, how are moral values represented in personality?

1. By the id

2. By the ego

3. By the superego

4. By the unconscious mind

The correct answer is: By the superego

In Freud's theory of personality, moral values are primarily represented by the superego. The superego acts as the ethical component of the personality, providing internal standards and ideals that guide behavior according to societal norms and moral values. It develops through interactions with caregivers and societal influences, incorporating what is considered right and wrong. This part of the psyche serves to control the id's impulses, particularly those that are socially unacceptable, and encourages the ego to strive for perfection rather than just reality. The superego engages in feelings of pride when behavior aligns with its standards or guilt when it does not. This creates a moral compass that guides decision-making and behavior, emphasizing the importance of ethical conduct in one’s actions. Understanding the roles of the id, ego, and unconscious mind helps clarify why the superego is identified with moral values. The id, driven by basic instincts and desires, does not concern itself with morality; the ego manages the real-world demands, balancing the wishes of the id and the restrictions of the superego but does not represent moral values itself. The unconscious mind, while it influences thoughts and behaviors, does not specifically encapsulate moral values in the way that the superego does.