What is the main focus of the cognitive approach in psychology?

The correct answer highlights the cognitive approach's emphasis on understanding internal mental processes, which include thought, memory, perception, language, and problem-solving. This perspective posits that mental activities are essential for understanding how individuals interpret and interact with the world around them. By examining these processes, cognitive psychology aims to explain how people acquire, process, and store information, making sense of their experiences and guiding their behaviors.

In contrast to other psychological approaches, such as behaviorism, which focuses solely on observable behaviors and external stimuli, the cognitive approach uniquely prioritizes the internal workings of the mind. This distinguishes it from social psychology, which studies group behaviors, and psychodynamic theories that emphasize the impact of early experiences on later behaviors. The focus on internal cognition allows researchers to explore a range of complex mental functions, paving the way for advancements in areas like cognitive therapy and educational psychology.