Which branch of psychology primarily studies individual thought processes?

Cognitive psychology is the branch that primarily focuses on individual thought processes, such as perception, memory, reasoning, and problem-solving. This field examines how people understand, diagnose, and interpret information, highlighting how mental functions influence behavior and how knowledge is acquired and used. Cognitive psychologists study various mental activities, including how people remember information or solve problems, leading to insights about the mind's inner workings.

Behavioral psychology, in contrast, concentrates on observable behaviors rather than internal mental processes, making it less relevant to the study of individual thought. Developmental psychology examines how individuals change and develop over the course of their lives, focusing on emotional, social, and intellectual growth stages rather than the specifics of thought processes. Social psychology investigates how individuals are influenced by the presence and behavior of others, placing less emphasis on individual cognitive functions aside from their social context. Each of these other branches serves distinct purposes in understanding human psychology, but it is cognitive psychology that specifically targets individual thought processes.