Which theory emphasizes internal mental processes and views people as problem solvers who actively use information to master their environment?

Prepare for the ACVREP Orientation and Mobility (OandM) Exam. Use our study aids and multiple-choice questions, each with detailed explanations. Boost your confidence and succeed!

Cognitive learning theory centers on how people think, reason, and use information to solve problems and master their environment. It treats learning as an active process where internal mental activities—perception, memory, planning, and problem-solving—shape how we acquire and apply knowledge. In orientation and mobility, this means learners form and use mental maps, interpret landmarks, anticipate routes, and adjust strategies as conditions change. An instructor supports this by teaching explicit planning steps, encouraging reflection, and providing guided practice that helps the learner organize information, test ideas, and monitor progress.

Operant conditioning focuses on reinforcement shaping observable behavior, while classical conditioning deals with automatic associations between stimuli and responses. Desensitization is a treatment technique, not a theory.