What is the main focus of psychology as a social science?

The main focus of psychology as a social science centers on the study of behavior and mental processes in individuals and groups. This discipline examines how people think, feel, and behave, both on an individual level and in social contexts. By understanding these processes, psychologists can gain insights into human behavior that are influenced by various factors, such as social interactions, cultural norms, and situational contexts.

While studying culture and society is important and encompasses a significant aspect of psychological research, the more comprehensive goal of psychology is to analyze both individual and collective behaviors and cognitive processes. This makes behavior and mental processes the core focus, facilitating a deeper understanding of how psychological principles can be applied in everyday life.

Understanding historical influences and evolutionary biology may contribute to psychologists’ knowledge of behavior, but they are not the primary focus of psychology as a social science. Instead, psychology is primarily concerned with the immediate factors affecting individuals and groups in their social environments, emphasizing the dynamic interplay of personal and societal influences on behavior and mental processes.