What is the definition of psychology?

The definition of psychology as the scientific study of behavior and mental processes encompasses a broad range of topics, including how individuals think, feel, and act in various situations. This definition signifies that psychology relies on empirical research and scientific methods to understand the complexities of human and animal behavior, as well as the mental processes that influence these behaviors.

By using a scientific approach, psychologists utilize various methodologies, such as experiments, observations, and surveys, to gather data and test theories. This rigorous analysis is crucial as it helps differentiate psychology from more subjective interpretations of behavior and mental processes, ensuring findings are based on evidence and can be replicated.

The other choices are narrower in scope or don't fully capture the essence of psychology. For instance, diagnosing mental disorders represents just a small part of the field, primarily associated with clinical psychology, while analyzing dreams focuses specifically on certain theories within psychology and doesn't reflect the full range of study. Predicting behavior through genetics is an emerging area of study, but it does not encompass the entirety of psychological inquiry and understanding that goes beyond genetic predisposition.