What is a characteristic of the cognitive approach regarding human understanding?

The cognitive approach in psychology emphasizes understanding internal mental processes, which includes how people perceive, think, remember, and learn. This perspective is rooted in the belief that cognitive processes influence behavior, and thus, to fully understand human actions, one must look beyond observable behavior to the underlying mental activities.

This characteristic makes the cognitive approach distinct from other psychological perspectives that may prioritize external factors, such as environmental influences or social interactions. While emotions and social behaviors are acknowledged in the cognitive framework, they are not the primary focus; instead, the cognitive approach aims to explore how thoughts and cognitive gears operate in shaping both feelings and social interactions.

Therefore, the correct answer accurately reflects the cognitive approach's emphasis on mental processes as crucial to understanding human behavior, setting it apart from traditions that may either overlook these processes or prioritize other aspects of human experience.