Introductory Psychology CLEP Prep Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Introductory Psychology CLEP Exam with our comprehensive quiz featuring multiple-choice questions and detailed explanations. Build your confidence and understanding of key psychological concepts to help ensure your success on test day!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

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What is the purpose of the Freudian defense mechanism?

To repress unacceptable thoughts and feelings
To rationalize behavior
To project negative feelings onto others
To reinforce healthy behavioral patterns

The correct answer is: To repress unacceptable thoughts and feelings

The Freudian defense mechanism serves to protect the mind from uncomfortable or unacceptable thoughts and feelings. It does this through repressing or pushing them away from conscious awareness. Option B, rationalization of behavior, is a different concept where one justifies their actions to protect their ego. Projection, option C, is also a defense mechanism but it involves attributing one's own negative thoughts and feelings onto others. Option D, reinforcing healthy behavioral patterns, is not a defense mechanism but rather a positive behavioral reinforcement technique.