Which statement aligns with cognitive theories of learning?

• A. Prefer to concentrate on analyzing cognitive processes
• B. Believe in non-observable behavior
• C. Conclusions are based on observation of external manifestations on learning
• D. Study of the structures and components of information processing

Answer: (C)

Cognitive theories of learning focus on what happens inside the mind—the way information is attended to, processed, stored, and retrieved. They view learning as changes in mental representations and understand that knowledge is built through internal operations like encoding, organizing, and recalling information. Because of this, the statement that fits best is about studying the structures and components of information processing. It directly targets how the mind handles information—attention, processing in working memory, encoding into long-term memory, schemas, and retrieval. This emphasis on internal processing and the flow of information through processing stages is what sets cognitive theories apart from approaches that rely solely on observable behavior. The other statements lean more toward observing and analyzing outward behavior or refer to non-observable aspects, which align less with cognitive explanations of how learning occurs.