What theory focuses on mental processes involved in learning and cognition?

The focus of the information processing theory is on the mental processes involved in learning and cognition. This theory likens the human mind to a computer, suggesting that how we process, store, and retrieve information is critical to our understanding of learning. It emphasizes cognitive functions such as attention, perception, memory, and problem-solving, illustrating how information is taken in, transformed, and utilized by the brain.

Unlike behaviorism, which concentrates on observable behaviors and external stimuli, or humanistic theory, which emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization, information processing theory zeroes in on internal mental activities. Constructivism, while also paying attention to cognitive processes, is primarily focused on how learners build knowledge through experiences rather than detailing the specific mechanisms of information processing. Therefore, the information processing theory accurately encompasses the mental processes central to learning and cognition.