Which of the following best defines psychology as a scientific discipline?

• A. The analysis of supernatural phenomena and their effects on people
• B. The study of behavior and mental processes
• C. The study of the structure and function of the human brain only
• D. The practice of diagnosing and treating physical illnesses

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand that psychology is a scientific discipline focused on studying observable and measurable phenomena related to humans and animals.
2. Step 2: Recognize that psychology involves the study of both behavior (actions and reactions) and mental processes (thoughts, emotions, perceptions).
3. Step 3: Eliminate options that do not align with scientific inquiry or the scope of psychology, such as supernatural phenomena or purely physical illnesses.
4. Step 4: Note that while the brain's structure and function are important, psychology is broader and includes mental processes and behavior, not just brain anatomy.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best definition of psychology as a scientific discipline is 'The study of behavior and mental processes' because it encompasses the full range of psychological phenomena studied scientifically.