Which of the following beliefs best reflects the scientific approach of psychology?

• A. Psychology accepts supernatural explanations for behavior without the need for scientific testing.
• B. Psychology is based primarily on intuition and personal opinions about human nature.
• C. Psychology relies on empirical evidence and systematic observation to understand behavior and mental processes.
• D. Psychology focuses only on philosophical speculation rather than experimental research.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the scientific approach in psychology, which emphasizes the use of empirical evidence and systematic observation rather than relying on intuition, personal opinions, or supernatural explanations.
2. Step 2: Identify that empirical evidence refers to information acquired by observation or experimentation, which is fundamental to the scientific method in psychology.
3. Step 3: Recognize that systematic observation involves carefully planned and controlled methods to study behavior and mental processes, ensuring reliability and validity of findings.
4. Step 4: Compare each belief option to the principles of the scientific method, noting that accepting supernatural explanations or relying on intuition does not align with scientific standards.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the belief stating psychology relies on empirical evidence and systematic observation best reflects the scientific approach in psychology.