What term describes the 'private' operations of the mind such as perception and attention?

The term "internal mental processes" appropriately describes the private operations of the mind, such as perception and attention. This concept refers to the mental activities that occur within an individual that are not directly observable by others. Internal mental processes encompass a range of cognitive functions, including how we interpret sensory information, focus our attention, and process thoughts and memories.

This terminology is fundamental in psychology, particularly within cognitive psychology, where researchers study these processes to understand how individuals perceive reality and make decisions based on their mental representations. Recognizing these private operations is crucial to developing theories about how the mind works and how it influences behavior.