Question 45

B: A child originally worked hard in school to please their parents but now, as an adolescent, works hard in school because success is personally satisfying.

This statement exemplifies Allport’s theory of functional autonomy as it demonstrates how motives can evolve from external drives to intrinsic satisfaction. The shift from working for parental approval to finding personal fulfillment in academic success illustrates the concept of functional autonomy, where the original motive becomes less significant over time.

A) A child originally saw themselves as having many distinct selves but now, as an adolescent, views the self as singularly directed toward a specific career.

This option does not illustrate functional autonomy because it describes a change in self-perception rather than a shift in motivation. The focus is on the awareness of self rather than the evolution of motives from external to internal.

B) A child originally worked hard in school to please their parents but now, as an adolescent, works hard in school because success is personally satisfying.

This option accurately reflects Allport’s theory of functional autonomy. The child’s motivation transitions from external validation to intrinsic satisfaction, signifying the development of autonomy in their academic pursuits.

C) A child originally questioned their commitment to religion but now, as an adolescent, has a life philosophy rooted in religious beliefs.

While this statement shows a change in belief system, it does not demonstrate functional autonomy as it does not highlight a shift in motivation from external to internal. Instead, it indicates a reassessment of beliefs rather than an evolution of motives.

D) A child originally evaluated their math skills as weak but now, as an adolescent focuses, their attention on solving math problems carefully.

This choice presents a change in focus and attention but lacks the aspect of motivation transition. It does not illustrate how the child’s original motivation has evolved into a more autonomous, intrinsic motivation for mastering math problems.

Conclusion

Option B clearly demonstrates Allport’s theory of functional autonomy, highlighting the transition from external motivations to intrinsic satisfaction. The other options fail to illustrate this concept adequately, as they either focus on changes in self-perception or belief systems without depicting a shift in motivational drives. Thus, B is the definitive answer that encapsulates the essence of functional autonomy.