What is the distinction between internal and external cognitive processes?

The distinction between internal and external cognitive processes highlights the nature of mental activities and how they manifest. Internal processes refer to the mental operations that occur within an individual's mind, such as thinking, memory, problem-solving, and decision-making. These processes are not directly observable, as they involve internal mental states and cognitive functions.

When considering the provided options, the focus on internal processes as mental operations emphasizes the cognitive activities that occur behind the scenes, reflecting the workings of the mind in ways that guide behavior, comprehension, and skills. This understanding is foundational in cognitive psychology, where scholars study how these internal modifications influence behavior and learning.

The other choices touch on aspects of cognition but do not capture the essence of internal processes as clearly. For instance, while reactions to stimuli or cognitive responses may involve cognition, they are often reflections of how internal processes manifest in external behavior. Hence, the specific identification of internal processes as mental operations solidifies their role in cognitive theory.