How does the cognitive approach differ from the behavioral approach?

The cognitive approach is centered on understanding the internal mental processes that influence behavior, including thoughts, beliefs, and problem-solving skills. It posits that our cognitive processes play a significant role in how we understand and interact with the world. This is in contrast to the behavioral approach, which emphasizes observable behaviors and the effects of environmental stimuli on those behaviors, often downplaying or ignoring internal mental processes.

By highlighting the importance of thoughts and mental structures, the cognitive approach provides insights into how individuals perceive and interpret their experiences, leading to various behaviors. This distinction is foundational in psychology, as it represents two different pathways to understanding human behavior—one through the lens of internal cognitive functions and the other through external, observable actions.

Choices that suggest cognitive focuses on observable behavior or that behavioral emphasizes thoughts misrepresent the core principles of each approach. Similarly, options related to social influences or genetics divert from the primary focus of cognition and behavior, which centers more on mental processes and observable actions, respectively. Thus, the accurate distinction lies in the emphasis on internal cognitive processes versus external observable behaviors.