Theory of Personality (D564) Practice Exam

According to Carl Jung, the collective unconscious is made up of _____ that are shared by all people across cultures.

1. archetypes

2. instincts

3. symbols

4. memories

The correct answer is: archetypes

Carl Jung's concept of the collective unconscious refers to a part of the unconscious mind that is not unique to the individual but is shared among all people, irrespective of their cultural backgrounds. This collective unconscious is composed primarily of archetypes, which are universal, symbolic representations or themes that arise from our shared human experience. Archetypes manifest in various forms, such as characters, motifs, and symbols that recur across different cultures and epochs in myths, stories, and dreams. For example, figures like the Hero, the Mother, or the Wise Old Man are archetypes that can be found in diverse cultural narratives, demonstrating the commonality of human experiences and emotions. In contrast, instincts, symbols, and memories may play significant roles in individual psychology or cultural contexts but do not capture the essence of Jung's idea of a shared, innate reservoir of experiences that all humans draw upon. Instincts pertain more to biological impulses, symbols can vary greatly between cultures, and memories are personal rather than collective. Thus, archetypes are the fundamental components of Jung's collective unconscious, making this answer the most accurate.