What process involves mental operations on observed behavior?

The correct choice is inference, which involves making mental operations or judgments based on observed behavior. When an individual interprets or ascribes meaning to what they observe, they engage in a process of drawing conclusions that are not directly visible through the behavior itself. This process is essential in psychology as it allows researchers and practitioners to understand the underlying motivations, intentions, or feelings that may be driving a person's actions.

For example, if someone observes a child acting withdrawn in a social setting, they may infer that the child is feeling shy or anxious, even if the child does not explicitly communicate those feelings. In this way, inference requires using cognitive skills to process behavior and derive a broader understanding of psychological states.

In contrast, a schema refers to a cognitive framework that helps organize and interpret information based on past experiences, while the biological approach focuses on the physiological and genetic factors influencing behavior. A phenotype pertains to the observable traits of an organism, which are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Understanding these distinctions can enhance the appreciation of how inference operates as a unique process in the realm of psychological analysis.