What does cognitive behaviorism study?

• A. The social dynamics of groups
• B. The study of thoughts, ideas, memories and how they influence behaviors
• C. The biological basis of reflexes
• D. The stages of moral development

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is that thoughts, memories, beliefs, and expectations shape how we respond to situations. Cognitive behaviorism, or cognitive-behavioral approaches, looks at how these internal mental processes mediate the connection between what happens and how we act, and it emphasizes that changing cognition can lead to changes in behavior. This blends the learning focus of behaviorism with an understanding that the mind’s content and organization influence responses. It’s about why people differ in same situations based on their thoughts and past experiences, and how therapies target thoughts to alter behavior. It’s not about group dynamics, brain reflexes, or stages of moral development.