Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below : List-I – List-II L Surplus energy theory of play – (i) Schiller & Spencer M Cathartic theory of play – (ii) Lewin N Infantile Dynamics theory of play – (iii) Piaget O Cognitive theory of play – (iv) Freud

Q: Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below : List-I – List-II L Surplus energy theory of play – (i) Schiller & Spencer M Cathartic theory of play – (ii) Lewin N Infantile Dynamics theory of play – (iii) Piaget O Cognitive theory of play – (iv) Freud

Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below : List-I – List-II L Surplus energy theory of play – (i) Schiller & Spencer M Cathartic theory of play – (ii) Lewin N Infantile Dynamics theory of play – (iii) Piaget O Cognitive theory of play – (iv) Freud

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is (3):
The correct selection is L-(i), M-(iv), N-(ii), O-(iii) because these pairings accurately attribute the major psychological theories of play to their respective originators or primary proponents. The Surplus Energy Theory of Play (L) is the oldest and simplest, famously proposed by the philosophers Schiller and Spencer (i). It posits that play serves as an outlet for energy that is not consumed by life-sustaining activities like work or survival. The Cathartic Theory of Play (M), which suggests that play acts as a safety valve for releasing bottled-up emotions, anxiety, or aggressive tendencies, is most closely associated with the psychodynamic framework of Freud (iv). This is because Freud's work is centered on the dynamic release of psychological tension and the expression of unconscious drives through symbolic actions. The Infantile Dynamics Theory of Play (N), although sometimes broadly related to Freud, is correctly paired with Lewin (ii); Kurt Lewin's Field Theory emphasizes the dynamic forces and tensions within a child's psychological 'life space,' which are often resolved or explored through play to balance the psychological environment. Finally, the Cognitive Theory of Play (O) is undeniably the domain of Piaget (iii), who described play as a key mechanism—specifically assimilation—by which children process and integrate new experiences into their existing mental structures or schemas, thus directly linking play to intellectual growth.

The incorrect option is (1):
This option suggests L-(iii), M-(i), N-(ii), O-(iv), which contains significant mismatches. Pairing the Surplus Energy theory (L) with Piaget (iii) is conceptually wrong, as Piaget is the key figure for the Cognitive theory, focusing on mental schema development rather than physical energy. Furthermore, assigning the Cathartic theory (M) to Schiller & Spencer (i) is a mistake, as their work is exclusively on the Surplus Energy model. While N-(ii) is correct, the final pairing linking the Cognitive theory (O) to Freud (iv) is incorrect, as Freud's focus was psychoanalytic, not the structured cognitive stages of play.

The incorrect option is (2):
This option suggests L-(i), M-(iii), N-(iv), O-(ii), which is partially correct but contains three major errors. Although it correctly links the Surplus Energy theory (L) to Schiller & Spencer (i), the Cathartic theory (M) is wrongly assigned to Piaget (iii), the theorist of cognitive play. The Infantile Dynamics theory (N) is incorrectly paired with Freud (iv), which confuses psychodynamic principles with the specific concept of dynamics in a child's life space. Lastly, the Cognitive theory (O), which deals with assimilation and accommodation, is erroneously linked to Lewin (ii), whose primary contribution was in Field Theory and group dynamics.

The incorrect option is (4):
This option suggests L-(iv), M-(ii), N-(iii), O-(i), which is a complete misrepresentation of the established psychological literature on play. It incorrectly links the Surplus Energy theory (L) to Freud (iv), whose focus was on the release of psychological tension, not unused physical energy. The Cathartic theory (M) is wrongly associated with Lewin (ii), whose work did not center on the emotional purging function of play. Furthermore, the Cognitive theory (O) is incorrectly attributed to Schiller & Spencer (i), who pre-date the entire cognitive psychology movement.