Which of the following characteristics makes psychology a science?

• A. It is based solely on personal intuition and subjective experiences.
• B. It avoids the use of experiments and statistical analysis.
• C. It relies on systematic observation and empirical evidence to draw conclusions about behavior and mental processes.
• D. It focuses exclusively on common sense explanations for human behavior.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the definition of science in the context of psychology. Science relies on systematic observation, empirical evidence, and testable hypotheses to study phenomena.
2. Step 2: Evaluate each option by comparing it to the scientific method. For example, personal intuition and subjective experiences are not reliable because they lack systematic testing.
3. Step 3: Recognize that avoiding experiments and statistical analysis contradicts the scientific approach, as these methods are essential for validating findings.
4. Step 4: Identify that relying on systematic observation and empirical evidence aligns with the scientific method, as it involves collecting data through controlled and repeatable procedures.
5. Step 5: Conclude that focusing exclusively on common sense explanations is insufficient because common sense can be biased and untested, whereas science requires rigorous evidence.