Which of the following best defines psychology as it is understood in AP Psychology?

• A. The scientific study of behavior and mental processes
• B. The practice of diagnosing and treating mental disorders
• C. The study of the unconscious mind and its influence on behavior
• D. The analysis of how societies shape individual actions

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand that psychology, especially in the context of AP Psychology, is defined as a scientific discipline. This means it relies on systematic methods to study its subject matter.
2. Step 2: Identify the two main components psychology focuses on: behavior (observable actions) and mental processes (internal experiences like thoughts, feelings, and perceptions).
3. Step 3: Recognize that psychology is broader than just diagnosing and treating mental disorders, which is more specific to clinical psychology or psychiatry.
4. Step 4: Note that while some psychological theories explore the unconscious mind, psychology as a whole is not limited to this perspective; it includes many approaches and methods.
5. Step 5: Understand that psychology studies individuals and groups but is distinct from sociology, which focuses more on societal influences rather than individual mental processes and behavior.