Which of the following best describes cognitive processing?

Cognitive processing refers to the mental activities that are involved in acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses. This encompasses how we encode, process, store, and retrieve information. The correct response highlights the integral steps of cognitive processing, which involve transforming sensory input into a form that can be understood and used by the brain, organizing this information for future use, and recalling it when necessary.

The other options address different aspects of psychological functioning but do not accurately capture the comprehensive nature of cognitive processing. Personality development pertains to how individuals grow and change over time in their characteristics and behaviors, while external factors may influence cognitive processes but do not define them. Emotional responses are vital in many psychological contexts, yet they represent a different domain from the cognitive processes of information management.