Which best describes the subject matter of psychology?

• A. Natural minds, mostly human, broadly interested in cognitive functioning, even when erroneous
• B. Physical behavior and reflexes
• C. Social institutions and cultural practices
• D. Mathematical models of decision making

Answer: (A)

Psychology studies mental processes and behavior, focusing on how people think, perceive, feel, and learn, and how these internal experiences influence actions. The description of natural minds, mostly human, broadly interested in cognitive functioning—even when beliefs or judgments are mistaken—best fits this scope, because it centers on mind and cognition rather than just outward actions. It acknowledges internal processes while still recognizing behavior, rather than describing only physical reflexes, social structures, or purely mathematical models. So this description most accurately captures what psychology encompasses.