Which of the following best defines social psychology?

• A. The scientific study of how people's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the actual, imagined, or implied presence of others.
• B. The analysis of how the brain and nervous system impact psychological processes.
• C. The study of individual differences in personality traits and how they affect behavior.
• D. The examination of mental disorders and their treatment.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand that social psychology is a branch of psychology focused on how individuals' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by others.
2. Step 2: Recognize that the influence can come from the actual presence of others, meaning people physically around us.
3. Step 3: Consider that influence also includes the imagined presence of others, such as thinking about how others might judge us.
4. Step 4: Include the implied presence of others, which refers to social norms or expectations that affect behavior even when others are not directly present.
5. Step 5: Compare these characteristics with other psychology fields mentioned, such as neuroscience, personality psychology, and clinical psychology, to identify that social psychology specifically studies social influence on individuals.