In the context of psychology, the term social control refers to which of the following?

• A. The ability of a person to control their own emotions and impulses
• B. The process by which individuals develop their own personal values and beliefs
• C. The influence of genetics on personality development
• D. The mechanisms and strategies society uses to regulate individual behavior and maintain social order

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the term 'social control' in psychology, which refers to the ways society influences individuals to conform to norms and rules.
2. Step 2: Recognize that social control involves mechanisms and strategies used by society to regulate behavior, such as laws, norms, and sanctions.
3. Step 3: Differentiate social control from personal self-regulation, which is about controlling one's own emotions and impulses.
4. Step 4: Note that social control is distinct from the development of personal values and beliefs, which is more about socialization and identity formation.
5. Step 5: Also distinguish social control from genetic influences on personality, as social control focuses on external societal influences rather than biological factors.