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Question

The concept of functional autonomy of motives was advanced by

The correct answer is
Gordon W. Allport

Functional Autonomy of Motives Explained

The concept of the functional autonomy of motives was proposed by psychologist Gordon W. Allport.

Understanding Functional Autonomy

Functional autonomy suggests that motives in psychologically healthy adults can become independent from their original experience or biological drives.

  • Initially, a motive might stem from a basic biological need (like hunger).
  • Over time, this motive can become self-sustaining and pursued for its own sake, regardless of the original biological source.
  • For example, earning money might initially be for survival (biological need), but later becomes a source of satisfaction and status (functionally autonomous motive).

Allport differentiated this from earlier theories, like drive reduction, by emphasizing the self-sustaining nature of adult motives.

Therefore, Gordon W. Allport is credited with advancing this specific psychological concept.

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Important Questions from Personality - Teaching

  1. Arrange the following tests/concepts related to projective techniques in chronological order (oldest to newest)
    A. Introduction of the term 'Projective Method' by Frank
    B. The Holtzman Inkblot Test
    C. The Rorschach Test
    D. Word-Association Test by Galton
    E. Thematic Apperception Test
    Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
  2. Who first attempted to describe personality traits in terms of Lexican descriptors ?
  3. Which of the following have been explained by Freud in his psycho-analytic theory of motivation ?
    a. Homeostasis
    b. Drives
    c. Hedonism
    d. Instincts
  4. Match List - I with List - II and select the correct answer by choosing from the codes given below :
    List - I (Concept)List - II (Explanation)
    a. Traiti. Specific emotional and behavioural qualities of personality that are thought to be biologically based
    b. Typeii. A collection of highly interconnected traits or dispositions which determine personality integration
    c. Systemiii. Clustering of many stable and enduring dispositions or qualities.
    d. Temperamentiv. Consistent pattern of emotional and behavioural reactions a person displays across variety of situations.
  5. Read each of the following two statements - Assertion (A) and Reason (R) and indicate your answer using codes given below :
    Assertion (A) : Extraverted individuals are sociable, impulsive and like excitement.
    Reason (R) : Brains of extraverts react more slowly and weakly to stimuli which cause them to seek excitement by approaching the environment.
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