Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Extension education is an out-of-school educational process designed to help rural communities improve their livelihoods and social well-being through self-reliance.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate each statement based on the core principles of extension education:
Statement (A):
Extension education focuses on human relations, educational methods, and community development.
Therefore, it is classified as a social science, not a physical science (like physics or chemistry).
Thus, Statement (A) is incorrect.
Statement (B):
It is considered an applied behavioral science because it uses psychological and sociological principles to help people change their behavior, attitudes, and habits.
Thus, Statement (B) is correct.
Statement (C):
Extension education is a non-formal or informal educational process.
It does not have rigid classrooms, fixed curricula, or formal degrees like schools and universities.
Thus, Statement (C) is incorrect.
Statement (D):
A primary objective of extension is to share scientific research and practical information, thereby improving the knowledge of rural communities.
Thus, Statement (D) is correct.
Statement (E):
Extension also focuses on practical skill development (e.g., training farmers on how to operate new machinery or graft plants) to help them apply new knowledge effectively.
Thus, Statement (E) is correct.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Statements (B), (D), and (E) are correct.
This corresponds to Option (D).