In cognitive psychology, the ecological approach is primarily used to study which aspect of social life?

• A. The influence of genetic factors on intelligence
• B. The role of neurotransmitters in memory formation
• C. How individuals perceive and interact with their environment in real-world contexts
• D. The development of language acquisition in children

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the ecological approach in cognitive psychology focuses on studying cognition in natural, real-world settings rather than artificial laboratory conditions.
2. Recognize that this approach emphasizes how individuals perceive, interpret, and respond to their environments, highlighting the dynamic interaction between a person and their surroundings.
3. Identify that the ecological approach is less concerned with internal biological factors like genetics or neurotransmitters, and more with the contextual and situational factors influencing behavior.
4. Relate this to social life by noting that it studies how people engage with their social and physical environments, including how they navigate and make sense of complex, everyday situations.
5. Conclude that the ecological approach is primarily used to study how individuals perceive and interact with their environment in real-world contexts.