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

• A. The study of behavior and mental processes
• B. The study of chemical reactions in living organisms
• C. The study of the structure and function of the human body
• D. The study of historical events and their impact on society

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that psychology is a scientific discipline focused on studying both observable behaviors and internal mental processes such as thoughts, emotions, and perceptions.
2. Recognize that other options like chemical reactions in living organisms relate to biology or biochemistry, not psychology.
3. Note that the study of the structure and function of the human body pertains to anatomy and physiology, which are separate fields from psychology.
4. Acknowledge that the study of historical events and their impact on society falls under history or sociology, not psychology.
5. Conclude that the best definition of psychology is 'the study of behavior and mental processes' because it captures the core focus of the field as a science.