In introductory psychology, which definition best describes psychology as a discipline?

• A. The philosophical study of knowledge, morality, and human existence
• B. The scientific study of behavior and mental processes
• C. A set of techniques used to treat mental illness through counseling and medication
• D. The study of the structure of the brain and nervous system only

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand that psychology as a discipline is primarily concerned with studying behavior and mental processes scientifically.
2. Step 2: Recognize that psychology differs from philosophy, which deals with knowledge, morality, and human existence in a more abstract way.
3. Step 3: Note that psychology is broader than just treatment methods like counseling and medication, which are applications rather than definitions of the field.
4. Step 4: Acknowledge that while the brain and nervous system are important in psychology, the discipline is not limited to studying only their structure.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best definition of psychology as a discipline is 'The scientific study of behavior and mental processes' because it captures the scope and method of the field.