In cognitive psychology, on what basis do people most often make sense of the world around them?

• A. By ignoring past experiences and focusing only on random chance
• B. By depending solely on instinctual reflexes without any cognitive processing
• C. By exclusively using mathematical equations such as $x=y$ to analyze their environment
• D. By relying on mental schemas and prior knowledge to interpret new information

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that in cognitive psychology, people interpret the world by using mental frameworks called schemas, which are organized patterns of thought based on prior knowledge and experiences.
2. Recognize that schemas help individuals quickly process and make sense of new information by fitting it into existing cognitive structures.
3. Note that ignoring past experiences or relying solely on random chance does not align with how cognition typically works, as prior knowledge is crucial for understanding.
4. Acknowledge that instinctual reflexes operate at a more basic, automatic level and do not fully explain the complex interpretation of the environment.
5. Understand that while mathematical equations can be tools for analysis, everyday cognitive processing primarily depends on mental schemas rather than formal mathematical reasoning.