Introduction to the special section on measuring cognitive products in research and practice.

This article introduces a special section of the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology titled "Measuring Cognitive Products in Research and Practice." The practice of cognitive behavior therapies--and research on their effectiveness and the validity of the models of psychopathology and therapy associated with these treatments--requires valid assessment of cognition. Cognitive variables can be considered at several levels; the main focus of the articles in this special section is on techniques suited to measurement of cognitive products, thoughts, and images of which people are conscious.