John, Age 4, Reports That When He Grows Up, He

question 146

Multiple Choice

John, age 4, reports that when he grows up, he will marry his mother. How should his family respond?

• A)They shouldn't be too concerned because this is an example of the characteristic precausal reasoning of a young child.
• B)They should be very concerned because John, by this age, should understand that this will not happen.
• C)They should be very concerned because as it is a sign of a personality problem.
• D)They shouldn't be too concerned because this is part of what happens as children begin the process of identification.

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Definitions:

Procedural Memories

Memories for the performance of actions or skills, often known as "muscle memory," which are recalled without conscious awareness.

Well-Learned

The state of having thoroughly practiced or mastered a skill, knowledge, or task through repetition.

Automatic Skills

Skills that are performed with little conscious thought, often developed through repeated practice and learning.

Two-Track Mind

The concept of the mind simultaneously processing information on two different levels; conscious and unconscious.