Which statement best reflects the cognitive approach's view on mental processing and behaviour?

Which statement best reflects the cognitive approach's view on mental processing and behaviour?

• A. The Mind Is Passive
• B. Thinking Causes Behaviour
• C. Behaviour Is Determined By Instinct
• D. Behaviour Is Learned Only By Conditioning

Answer: (B)

The main concept tested here is that mental processing guides how we act. The cognitive approach argues that thinking, memory, perception and problem-solving shape the link between input and response, so behaviour is driven by internal information-processing rather than being a fixed reflex. Saying that thinking causes behaviour captures this view because it explicitly links internal thought processes to actions, recognizing that decisions and interpretations influence how we respond to a situation. The other statements miss this aspect: viewing the mind as passive ignores active information processing; invoking instinct suggests behavior is governed by innate triggers; and claiming learning happens only through conditioning downplays the role of mental representations and expectations in guiding behavior.

The main concept tested here is that mental processing guides how we act. The cognitive approach argues that thinking, memory, perception and problem-solving shape the link between input and response, so behaviour is driven by internal information-processing rather than being a fixed reflex. Saying that thinking causes behaviour captures this view because it explicitly links internal thought processes to actions, recognizing that decisions and interpretations influence how we respond to a situation. The other statements miss this aspect: viewing the mind as passive ignores active information processing; invoking instinct suggests behavior is governed by innate triggers; and claiming learning happens only through conditioning downplays the role of mental representations and expectations in guiding behavior.