Which of the following definitions best matches the sociological discipline as described in the course?

• A. The clinical practice of diagnosing and treating individual psychological disorders in isolation from social contexts.
• B. A philosophical inquiry into the meaning of existence that emphasizes subjective introspection rather than empirical social patterns.
• C. An economic analysis focused exclusively on market behavior and individual consumer choices without reference to cultural or group-level forces.
• D. The scientific study of human society, social groups, and social behavior.

Answer: (D)