Question

Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R
Assertion A: According to Freud's psychodynamic approach to explain criminal behaviour, the personality of offenders is Id-dominated.
Reason R: When the Ego is weak and unable to control Id, the dominant Id impulses indulge in acts that go against social norms, rules and regulations.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A.
• B. Both A and R are correct but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
• C. A is correct but R is not correct.
• D. A is not correct but R is correct.

Hint:

According to Freud: Id seeks pleasure, Superego seeks morality, and Ego balances both according to reality.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept:

• Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory divides the human personality into three parts: Id, Ego, and Superego.
• Criminal behavior is often explained as a result of an imbalance between these three components.

Step 1: Evaluate Assertion A
The "Id" is the primitive and instinctive part of the mind that operates on the "pleasure principle" (immediate gratification). Psychodynamic criminology suggests that many offenders have an overdeveloped or "dominant" Id, making them impulsive and self-centered. Assertion A is correct.

Step 2: Evaluate Reason R
The "Ego" operates on the "reality principle" and is supposed to mediate between the Id and the real world. If the Ego is weak, it cannot restrain the animalistic drives of the Id. This leads the individual to seek pleasure regardless of social rules, which often manifests as criminal behavior. Reason R is correct.

Step 3: Determine the logical link
Assertion A states that offenders are Id-dominated. Reason R explains how this happens (via a weak Ego) and why it leads to crime (impulses go against norms). Therefore, R is the direct underlying reason/explanation for the state described in A.

Step 4: Conclusion
Both statements are true and R perfectly explains A. Option (A) is correct.