What is the primary focus of the discipline of sociology?

The primary focus of sociology lies in understanding social behavior. Sociology seeks to explore how individuals interact within various social contexts, how societies are structured, and how social institutions influence human behavior. This involves examining the roles, relationships, and cultural norms that shape individuals' actions and perceptions within a group setting.

In studying social behavior, sociologists analyze patterns of social relationships, group dynamics, and the impact of social structures like family, education, religion, and government on individuals and communities. This comprehensive understanding can help clarify larger societal issues such as inequality, social change, and cultural dynamics.

The other options, while relevant to certain aspects of social sciences, do not encapsulate the broader essence of sociology. For instance, studying deviance is a subfield within sociology focused on behaviors that deviate from societal norms, but it represents only a portion of what sociologists examine. Analyzing biological influences pertains more closely to fields like biology or psychology, which might explore how genetics affect behavior but do not capture the social context. Similarly, examining individual psychology deals with personal mental processes and behaviors rather than the collective social dynamics that sociology prioritizes. Thus, understanding social behavior significantly encompasses the overarching themes that sociology aims to explore.