Which of the following best defines psychology as a scientific discipline?

• A. The study of the structure and function of the human brain only
• B. The practice of diagnosing and treating physical illnesses
• C. The study of behavior and mental processes
• D. The analysis of supernatural phenomena and their effects on people

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand that psychology is a scientific discipline focused on studying human behavior and mental processes, rather than just physical structures or supernatural phenomena.
2. Step 2: Recognize that psychology involves systematic observation, experimentation, and analysis to understand how people think, feel, and act.
3. Step 3: Differentiate psychology from other fields such as neurology (which studies the brain's structure and function) and medicine (which diagnoses and treats physical illnesses).
4. Step 4: Note that psychology does not involve the study of supernatural phenomena, as it relies on empirical evidence and scientific methods.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best definition of psychology as a scientific discipline is 'The study of behavior and mental processes' because it captures the broad scope and scientific approach of the field.