Question

The goals of psychology are to uncover the mysteries of human and animal behaviors through their:
A. Description
B. Explanation
C. Prediction
D. Control
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A, B and D only
• B. A, B and C only
• C. A, B, C and D
• D. B, C and D only

Hint:

Remember the four goals with a simple example: You see someone crying ({Description}). You theorize it's because they are sad ({Explanation}). You guess they will also cry when they hear sad news in the future ({Prediction}). You try to cheer them up to change their behavior ({Control}).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify the four primary goals of the science of psychology.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The study of psychology is guided by four fundamental goals, which are typically addressed in a specific order:
Description (A): The first goal is to observe and describe behavior as accurately as possible. This answers the "what" question (e.g., what is happening?).
Explanation (B): After describing a behavior, psychologists seek to explain it. This involves building theories and answering the "why" question (e.g., why is it happening?).
Prediction (C): Based on explanations, psychologists aim to predict future behaviors under certain conditions. This answers the "when will it happen again?" question.
Control (D): The final goal is to use the knowledge gained to control or modify behavior, often to bring about positive changes and improve lives. This answers the "how can it be changed?" question.
All four listed items—Description, Explanation, Prediction, and Control—are the recognized goals of psychology.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct option includes all four goals: A, B, C, and D.