What role do mental processes play in cognitive learning?

Mental processes are fundamental to cognitive learning, as they encompass the ways in which individuals perceive, interpret, and analyze information. This framework suggests that understanding and knowledge acquisition arise not just from external stimuli or responses, but through active engagement and internal cognitive activities such as thinking, reasoning, problem-solving, and planning.

In cognitive learning theories, mental processes such as attention, memory, and perception are seen as essential for making sense of new information and integrating it with prior knowledge. For instance, when learners encounter new concepts, their ability to reason and connect these ideas to what they already know enables them to build a deeper understanding, rather than merely responding to stimuli.

This highlights that cognitive processes are not just additional components of learning—they are central to how individuals interpret and internalize information, thereby driving the learning experience itself.