Which statement best reflects why psychology is considered a science?

• A. Because psychology is based solely on personal opinions and subjective interpretations.
• B. Because psychology relies on systematic observation, experimentation, and empirical evidence to understand behavior and mental processes.
• C. Because psychology only studies abnormal behavior and mental illness.
• D. Because psychology does not use any scientific methods or statistical analysis.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of science: Science is a systematic approach to acquiring knowledge through observation, experimentation, and evidence-based analysis.
2. Recognize that psychology studies behavior and mental processes using empirical methods, meaning it relies on data collected through controlled observations and experiments.
3. Identify that psychology uses scientific methods such as hypothesis testing, data collection, and statistical analysis to draw conclusions about human behavior.
4. Contrast this with statements that suggest psychology is based on personal opinions or lacks scientific methods, which are incorrect because they ignore the empirical foundation of psychology.
5. Conclude that the best statement reflects psychology's reliance on systematic observation, experimentation, and empirical evidence to understand behavior and mental processes.