Which of the following best describes the primary focus of cognitive psychology?

• A. The examination of observable behaviors and their relationship to environmental stimuli
• B. The investigation of genetic and physiological influences on behavior
• C. The analysis of unconscious motives and early childhood experiences
• D. The study of mental processes such as perception, memory, reasoning, and problem-solving

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the main subject of cognitive psychology, which is concerned with understanding internal mental processes.
2. Recognize that cognitive psychology focuses on how people perceive, remember, think, and solve problems rather than just observable behaviors or biological factors.
3. Differentiate cognitive psychology from behaviorism, which emphasizes observable behaviors and environmental stimuli.
4. Distinguish cognitive psychology from psychoanalysis, which centers on unconscious motives and early childhood experiences.
5. Conclude that the primary focus of cognitive psychology is the study of mental processes such as perception, memory, reasoning, and problem-solving.