Your teacher organizes a debate on Freudian theory. You are assigned to be on the anti-Freud side and, therefore, must point out problems in the theory. Which of the following will be at the top of your list?
A) Children do not have sexual motives.
B) Psychodynamic concepts are difficult to test.
C) Defense mechanisms actually increase anxiety.
D) Psychoanalytic therapy is effective for treating psychotics only.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

One of the main criticisms of Freudian theory is that its concepts are difficult to test empirically. Freud's ideas about the unconscious mind, dreams, and psychosexual development cannot be directly observed or measured, making it challenging to conduct scientific experiments to support or refute them. This lack of empirical support has led many psychologists to question the validity of Freudian theory. The other options (children do have sexual motives, defense mechanisms can reduce anxiety, psychoanalytic therapy can be effective for a range of disorders) are all supported by empirical evidence and are not major criticisms of Freudian theory.

Your Teacher Organizes a Debate on Freudian Theory