Which of the following phrases most accurately describes psychology?

• A. The study of physical health and disease
• B. The scientific study of behavior and mental processes
• C. The practice of diagnosing and treating medical conditions
• D. The analysis of historical events and their impact

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the core focus of psychology by recognizing that it is a scientific discipline concerned with studying behavior and mental processes.
2. Step 2: Differentiate psychology from other fields such as medicine (which focuses on physical health and disease) and history (which analyzes past events).
3. Step 3: Identify that psychology uses scientific methods to observe, describe, and explain how people think, feel, and behave.
4. Step 4: Recognize that psychology is not primarily about diagnosing or treating medical conditions, which is the domain of medical professionals.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the phrase 'The scientific study of behavior and mental processes' most accurately captures the essence of psychology.