Which theorist originally proposed 18 core instincts for humans?

• A. William McDougall
• B. Sigmund Freud
• C. Charles Darwin
• D. David McClelland

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of 'instincts' in psychology, which refers to innate, biologically determined behaviors that are thought to occur in all members of a species.
2. Familiarize yourself with William McDougall, a psychologist known for his work on instinct theory, which proposed that human behavior is driven by a set of innate instincts.
3. Recognize that McDougall originally proposed a list of 18 core instincts, which he believed were the primary motivators of human behavior.
4. Differentiate between McDougall's theory and other theorists like Sigmund Freud, who focused on psychosexual development, and Charles Darwin, who is known for the theory of evolution.
5. Identify David McClelland as a psychologist known for his work on motivation, particularly the need for achievement, rather than instinct theory.