Which term best describes the way people understand and make sense of others and themselves?

• A. Operant behavior
• B. Classical conditioning
• C. Social cognition
• D. Sensory adaptation

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Identify the key concept in the question, which is about how people understand and make sense of others and themselves.
2. Step 2: Review the definitions of the given terms: Operant behavior refers to behavior influenced by consequences; Classical conditioning involves learning through association; Sensory adaptation is the diminished sensitivity to a stimulus over time.
3. Step 3: Recognize that the process of understanding and interpreting social information, including thoughts, feelings, and intentions of oneself and others, is related to cognition in social contexts.
4. Step 4: Understand that 'Social cognition' specifically refers to the mental processes involved in perceiving, interpreting, and generating responses to the social world.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the term 'Social cognition' best fits the description of how people understand and make sense of others and themselves.