The concept of the collective unconscious was introduced by which psychologist?

• A. Jung
• B. Freud
• C. Adler
• D. Erikson

Answer: (A)

The main idea tests the origin of the concept of a shared, inherited layer of the psyche. Carl Jung introduced the collective unconscious, a part of the mind that is not formed from personal experience but is shared across humanity. This layer contains archetypes—universal symbols and themes such as the mother, the hero, and the shadow—that surface in dreams, myths, and cultural imagery across different cultures. The collective unconscious explains why people from vastly different backgrounds can produce similar myths and recognize similar symbols.

This idea stands apart from Freud’s view, which centers on the personal unconscious—repressed wishes and experiences specific to an individual. Adler’s approach emphasizes individual psychology and social striving, not a inherited psychic layer. Erikson’s theory focuses on psychosocial development across the lifespan, not a universal, inherited psychic structure. Therefore, the psychologist who introduced the concept is Carl Jung.