Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Practice Examination

Francis Galton is known for founding which movement?

1. Behaviorism

2. Eugenics

3. Humanism

4. Existentialism

The correct answer is: Eugenics

Francis Galton is primarily recognized for founding the movement of eugenics, which advocates for the improvement of human populations through controlled breeding to increase the occurrence of desirable heritable characteristics. Galton introduced the term "eugenics" in the late 19th century and his work was greatly influenced by his cousin, Charles Darwin, particularly regarding the principles of natural selection. Eugenics gained significant traction in the early 20th century, leading to various social policies and programs aimed at influencing reproductive behavior in populations. Galton's emphasis on the application of statistical methods and his studies on heredity laid the groundwork for this movement, which has had a profound and often controversial impact on public policy and ethical discussions surrounding genetics and reproduction. The other movements referenced, such as behaviorism, humanism, and existentialism, focus on different aspects of psychology and philosophy, largely unrelated to Galton’s contributions. Behaviorism emphasizes observable behavior as the primary focus of psychological research; humanism centers on individual potential and stresses the importance of growth and self-actualization; existentialism explores themes of existence, meaning, and choice in life.