According to Freud, which component of personality is responsible for basic drives?

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Prepare for the UCF PSY2012 General Psychology Final! Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

The component of personality responsible for basic drives, according to Freud, is the Id. The Id operates on the pleasure principle, which seeks immediate gratification of desires and drives, such as hunger, thirst, and sexual urges. It is the most primitive part of the personality and is present from birth. The Id does not consider reality or social norms; instead, it is focused solely on fulfilling basic needs and desires.

The Ego, another component of personality, acts as the mediator between the Id and the external world, trying to find realistic ways to satisfy the Id's impulses while adhering to the constraints of reality and societal expectations. The Superego represents internalized moral standards and ideals, often in opposition to the desires of the Id. Lastly, consciousness relates to awareness and thoughts that are currently active but does not inherently possess the fundamental drives that the Id embodies.