Which school of psychology emphasized the importance of thoughts and internal mental states in understanding behavior?

• A. Humanistic psychology
• B. Psychoanalysis
• C. Cognitive psychology
• D. Behaviorism

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the question is asking which school of psychology focuses on thoughts and internal mental states to explain behavior.
2. Step 2: Review the main focus of each school of psychology listed: Humanistic psychology emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization; Psychoanalysis focuses on unconscious motives and early childhood experiences; Behaviorism studies observable behaviors and external stimuli; Cognitive psychology studies mental processes like thinking, memory, and problem-solving.
3. Step 3: Identify that the school emphasizing internal mental states such as thoughts is Cognitive psychology.
4. Step 4: Recognize that Cognitive psychology investigates how people perceive, think, remember, and learn, which directly relates to internal mental states.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is Cognitive psychology because it centers on understanding behavior through internal cognitive processes.