What are the four main goals of psychology?

The four main goals of psychology are to describe, explain, predict, and control behavior. Each of these goals plays a crucial role in the field of psychology.

Describing behavior involves observing and detailing what people do, which is the foundation for a deeper understanding of human actions and thoughts. This goal sets the groundwork for further exploration into the why and how of behavior.

Explaining behavior goes beyond mere description; it tries to uncover the underlying reasons for certain behaviors, often incorporating theories and research findings to give context to observations. This is essential for advancing psychological knowledge.

Predicting behavior involves using knowledge gained from the first two goals to anticipate how individuals might behave in different situations. This is significant not only for psychological science but also for practical applications, such as in clinical settings or educational environments.

Finally, controlling behavior refers to the application of psychological principles to influence behavior positively, whether through interventions, therapies, or environmental modifications aimed at improving mental health or social dynamics.

The other choices, while they focus on aspects related to psychology, do not encapsulate the broad objectives that guide psychological research and practice as holistically as the first option does.