Which method can be used to detect what ego state a person is in?

The correct choice is based on the understanding that the words a person uses are key indicators of their current ego state. Ego state theory suggests that individuals can exhibit different aspects of their personality based on their state of mind, often categorized as Parent, Adult, or Child states.

When a person communicates, the language and expressions they choose reflect their emotional processing and mindset at that moment. For example, using authoritative or nurturing language may indicate the Parent state, while spontaneous and playful language may signal the Child state. Conversely, rational and logical language typically points to the Adult state. Thus, analyzing the words used in conversation allows for better insight into the underlying psychological state.

The other options—who they are talking to, the time of day, and what they are wearing—are less direct in assessing ego states. These factors can influence behavior and mood but do not provide explicit information about which part of the self is being expressed through communication.