Which statement correctly reflects cognitive learning theory about the learner's activity?

• A. The brain can be likened to a computer that processes information
• B. Knowledge is obtained only through trial and error
• C. The learner processes information to construct understanding
• D. Learning is purely about memorizing facts

Answer: (C)

Cognitive learning theory treats the learner as an active processor who builds meaning by organizing and interpreting new information. The key idea is that learning happens as the learner consciously attends to incoming data, encodes it, and connects it with what they already know, creating mental representations or schemas. This makes understanding, problem-solving ability, and the ability to apply knowledge in new situations emerge—not just the ability to recall isolated facts. So the statement that the learner processes information to construct understanding best captures this view of learning as an active, meaning-making process.

The other ideas miss this active construction. Thinking of the brain as a simple computer emphasizes mechanism over meaning-making; knowledge gained solely through trial and error aligns more with behaviorism; and learning as memorization ignores how meaning and understanding are built.