In basic psychology, the major goals of the discipline are to describe, predict, and control behavior and mental processes. Which option best summarizes these goals?

Introduction / Context:
Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. As a science, it has clear goals that guide research and practice. Most introductory textbooks describe four classic goals: describe, explain, predict, and control behavior. This question focuses on three of those goals and asks which option best represents the overall aims of psychology.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The options mention describing, predicting, and controlling behavior.
• Psychology uses scientific methods to study individuals and groups.
• The question expects familiarity with standard textbook statements about the goals of psychology.

Concept / Approach:
To describe behavior means to observe and record what people and animals do in an objective, systematic way. To predict behavior means to use patterns, theories, and data to anticipate how people will act in certain situations. To control behavior means to apply psychological principles to change or influence behavior, often for positive outcomes such as therapy, education, or organizational improvement. These goals work together and are not separate or competing. Therefore, the best answer is the option that combines all three as goals of psychology.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Introductory psychology textbooks often present a standard list of goals for psychology: to describe, explain, predict, and control behavior and mental processes. While this question omits explain explicitly, it clearly lists describe, predict, and control, which are part of that set. Explanations of the discipline in course syllabi and educational websites also use similar language, confirming that these are central goals of psychology.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Describing behavior alone is incomplete because psychology also seeks to go beyond description to prediction and control.
• Controlling behavior alone is incomplete and potentially misleading, since ethical psychological practice must be based on good description and understanding.
• Predicting behavior alone is incomplete because accurate prediction depends on careful description and often leads to interventions for control or change.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may select only one of the goals because they remember that psychology is observational or that therapy involves behavior change. However, focusing on only one goal misses the broader scientific mission of the field. It is important to see psychology as a discipline that describes and explains behavior first, then uses that knowledge to predict and, where appropriate, influence behavior in beneficial ways.

Final Answer:
All of the above together describe major goals of psychology