Which of the following best describes the major focus of cognitive behavioral approaches in the 1960s?

• A. Focusing exclusively on observable behaviors without considering thoughts
• B. Studying the effects of genetic inheritance on intelligence
• C. Prioritizing psychoanalytic interpretations of unconscious motives
• D. Emphasizing the role of internal mental processes in understanding behavior

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that cognitive behavioral approaches emerged as a response to earlier psychological models, particularly behaviorism, which focused only on observable behaviors.
2. Recognize that unlike strict behaviorism, cognitive behavioral approaches incorporate the study of internal mental processes such as thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes.
3. Identify that the major focus of cognitive behavioral approaches in the 1960s was to emphasize how these internal mental processes influence behavior, rather than ignoring them.
4. Compare the options given: observable behaviors only (behaviorism), genetic inheritance (biological focus), psychoanalytic interpretations (unconscious motives), and internal mental processes (cognitive behavioral focus).
5. Conclude that the best description of the major focus of cognitive behavioral approaches in the 1960s is emphasizing the role of internal mental processes in understanding behavior.