Which of the following best distinguishes scientific psychology from pseudoscience and popular opinion?

• A. Scientific psychology relies on systematic observation, empirical evidence, and the use of the scientific method to test hypotheses.
• B. Scientific psychology focuses only on common sense explanations of behavior.
• C. Scientific psychology is based primarily on personal beliefs and anecdotal experiences.
• D. Scientific psychology accepts claims without requiring replication or peer review.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the key characteristics that define scientific psychology, which include systematic observation, empirical evidence, and the scientific method.
2. Recognize that pseudoscience and popular opinion often rely on personal beliefs, anecdotal evidence, or untested claims rather than rigorous testing.
3. Identify that scientific psychology tests hypotheses through controlled experiments and requires replication and peer review to validate findings.
4. Compare each option to these criteria to determine which one accurately reflects the principles of scientific psychology.
5. Conclude that the option emphasizing systematic observation, empirical evidence, and the scientific method best distinguishes scientific psychology from pseudoscience and popular opinion.