AP Psychology Practice Test

The correct answer is the ego. The ego operates on the reality principle, meaning it seeks to satisfy the id's desires in realistic and socially appropriate ways. While the id is driven by primal urges and immediate gratification, the ego mediates between the demands of the id, the constraints of the external world, and the moral standards of the superego. This balancing act is crucial for functioning effectively in society, as it helps navigate situations that require more than just following instinctual drives.

In contrast, the psychosexual stages refer to Freud's theory of personality development, which addresses how experiences during different childhood stages shape aspects of personality. The superego represents internalized societal rules and morals, often opposing the impulsive desires of the id, while the id embodies pure instinctual drives without consideration for reality or morality. Therefore, the focus on realistic satisfaction of desires aligns specifically with the role of the ego.