What does the suffix "-ology" refer to?

The suffix "-ology" is derived from the Greek word "logia," which means "the study of." It is used to denote a field of study or a branch of knowledge. In this context, the correct answer indicates that "-ology" refers broadly to the study of a specific field, encompassing a wide range of disciplines such as biology (the study of life), geology (the study of the Earth), and many others.

When examining other potential meanings of this suffix, options such as the study of specific diseases or the study of psychological disorders provide narrower interpretations. These fields (like pathology and psychology, respectively) certainly have their own "-ology" terms, but they are subsets within the broader concept of specific fields of study. Therefore, the correct answer reflects the general usage and meaning of the suffix "-ology" rather than a limited application.