William James used the term "stream of consciousness" to indicate ____.
A)that the analysis of consciousness into mental elements is difficult but possible
B)that the use of introspection to study consciousness is possible
C)that consciousness is not as important as the unconscious in controlling behavior since consciousness is always changing
D)that the changing nature of consciousness prevents its analysis into mental elements
E)that unconscious thoughts can be accessed through free association

Question

William James used the term "stream of consciousness" to indicate ____.​
A)​that the analysis of consciousness into mental elements is difficult but possible
B)that the use of introspection to study consciousness is possible
C)​that consciousness is not as important as the unconscious in controlling behavior since consciousness is always changing
D)that the changing nature of consciousness prevents its analysis into mental elements
E)that unconscious thoughts can be accessed through free association

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The term "stream of consciousness" was used by William James to indicate that the changing, continuous nature of consciousness prevents its analysis into discrete mental elements. James believed that consciousness flows like a stream, with thoughts and sensations blending together in a continuous, unbroken flow. This made it difficult to isolate individual elements of consciousness for study.

William James Used the Term "Stream of Consciousness" to Indicate