Which of the following statements is true about psychology?

• A. Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes.
• B. Psychology is primarily based on common sense rather than systematic research.
• C. Psychology focuses only on diagnosing and treating mental disorders.
• D. Psychology studies behavior but not thoughts, emotions, or other mental processes.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of psychology as a scientific discipline. Psychology is the systematic study of behavior and mental processes, which includes thoughts, emotions, and actions.
2. Recognize that psychology relies on empirical research and scientific methods rather than just common sense or anecdotal evidence.
3. Note that psychology is broader than just diagnosing and treating mental disorders; it also explores normal behavior, cognitive functions, development, and social interactions.
4. Acknowledge that psychology studies both observable behavior and internal mental processes such as thoughts and emotions, making it a comprehensive field.
5. Compare each statement to these key points to determine which one accurately reflects the nature of psychology.