How is psychology defined?

The definition of psychology as the study of human behavior, mental processes, and conflicts encompasses the entire field of psychological inquiry. This definition includes the examination of how individuals think, feel, and act, as well as the internal and external factors that influence these processes. Understanding human behavior involves analyzing cognitive functions, emotions, motivations, and interpersonal dynamics, which are central elements in psychological studies.

By focusing on both observable actions and internal mental states, this definition captures the breadth of psychology, extending to areas such as developmental psychology, social psychology, cognitive psychology, and clinical psychology. It emphasizes the importance of understanding not just the behavior itself but also the underlying mental processes that drive behavior, making it a comprehensive approach to studying the human experience.

The other options, while related to aspects of human experience, do not fully capture the essence of psychology. For example, the study of physical health pertains more to fields like medicine or health sciences, while human biology focuses on physiological aspects without considering mental processes. The study of social interactions fits within a niche of psychology known as social psychology but is too narrow to define the entire field.