In Freudian theory, the ego operates according to which principle, and the id according to which principle?

• A. Reality Principle, Pleasure Principle
• B. Moral Principle, Reality Principle
• C. Practicality, Impulsivity
• D. Reality Principle, Moral Principle

Answer: (A)

In Freudian theory, the ego acts according to the reality principle, which means it tests reality and delays gratification to find socially acceptable ways to satisfy desires. The id, on the other hand, operates on the pleasure principle, driving the seeks-immediate-satisfaction impulse without regard to reality or consequences. This pairing explains why the ego mediates between inner urges and external constraints while the id pushes for instant gratification.

Options that assign the moral principle to the ego or id mix up the roles of the superego with the other structures. The practical or impulsive-sounding labels aren’t formal Freudian terms, so they don’t capture the defined principles Freud outlined.