Who is known for founding psychoanalysis and focusing on the unconscious causes of behavior?

Prepare for the VirtualSC Psychology Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question offers detailed explanations to boost your readiness. Ace your exam!

The correct answer is Sigmund Freud, who is renowned for founding psychoanalysis. Freud's work centered on the idea that much of human behavior is influenced by unconscious processes, including repressed memories, desires, and conflicts. He proposed that these unconscious factors significantly shape our thoughts, feelings, and actions, often without our awareness.

Freud developed various methods to explore these unconscious influences, including free association, dream analysis, and the study of slips of the tongue. His theoretical framework emphasized the importance of early childhood experiences and how they contribute to personality development. Freud’s influence extends beyond psychology into art, literature, and popular culture, making his contributions foundational in understanding human behavior.

In contrast, the other figures listed have made significant contributions to psychology but do not focus primarily on the unconscious. Albert Bandura is known for his work on social learning theory and the concept of self-efficacy. Carl Rogers developed client-centered therapy emphasizing empathy and the therapeutic relationship rather than unconscious drives. Ivan Pavlov is celebrated for his research on classical conditioning, demonstrating learned behaviors through association rather than unconscious motivations.

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