What does sociology study?

Sociology is the study of social behavior, institutions, and the structures that govern interactions among groups within society. This discipline focuses on understanding how groups interact with one another and how these interactions shape societal norms, values, and institutions. This encompasses a wide range of topics, including social relationships, group dynamics, cultural norms, and societal changes.

By studying how groups operate within the context of society, sociologists analyze patterns of behavior, social hierarchies, and the impact of culture on interactions among individuals and groups. This involves not only observing the way groups behave but also understanding the influences of social institutions such as family, education, economy, and politics on those behaviors.

The other options highlight different aspects of human behavior that don't align specifically with the sociological perspective. For example, focusing on individual behavior in isolation ignores the important group dynamics that sociology examines. The application of psychological principles pertains more to psychology than sociology, while economic influences, though relevant, would often fall under the scope of economics or social psychology rather than the broader sociological analysis of groups within society.