What does the cognitive approach in psychology primarily focus on?

The cognitive approach in psychology primarily focuses on mental processes that influence behavior. This perspective emphasizes the internal processes of the mind, such as perception, memory, thinking, and problem-solving, and how these cognitive functions shape our reactions and actions in various situations. By examining how people understand and process information, the cognitive approach seeks to explain how thoughts can affect emotions and behaviors.

This approach contrasts with others that focus on external behaviors or emotional aspects alone. For instance, behavioral conditioning looks at how behavior is learned through interactions with the environment without considering mental processes. Similarly, emotional responses concentrate on feelings rather than the underlying thought processes, while observational learning emphasizes the acquisition of behaviors through watching others rather than on cognition itself. Thus, the cognitive approach stands out for its emphasis on the crucial role of mental activities in guiding behavior.