Which option best distinguishes psychology from sociology as academic disciplines?

• A. Psychology studies only observable behavior, whereas sociology studies only unconscious mental processes.
• B. Psychology is exclusively concerned with diagnosing mental disorders, whereas sociology is exclusively concerned with conducting laboratory experiments.
• C. Psychology focuses on societal laws and political systems, whereas sociology focuses on brain structure and neurotransmitters.
• D. Psychology primarily studies individuals’ behavior and mental processes, whereas sociology primarily studies groups, social institutions, and social relationships.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the core focus of psychology as an academic discipline. Psychology primarily studies individuals' behavior and mental processes, including thoughts, emotions, and actions.
2. Step 2: Understand the core focus of sociology as an academic discipline. Sociology primarily studies groups, social institutions, and social relationships, examining how societies function and how social influences affect behavior.
3. Step 3: Evaluate the options by comparing their descriptions to the core focuses identified. Eliminate options that incorrectly describe psychology or sociology, such as those that limit psychology to only observable behavior or only diagnosing mental disorders.
4. Step 4: Recognize that psychology is broader than just observable behavior or clinical diagnosis; it includes mental processes, while sociology is broader than just political systems or laws; it includes social structures and relationships.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best distinguishing option is the one that states psychology primarily studies individuals’ behavior and mental processes, whereas sociology primarily studies groups, social institutions, and social relationships.