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What does cognitive refer to in the context of mental abilities?

1. Aesthetic skills related to art and design

2. Abilities related to the capacity to think

3. Physical actions and motor skills

4. Only social interactions and emotional responses

The correct answer is: Abilities related to the capacity to think

In the context of mental abilities, cognitive refers to those processes and functions that are involved in thinking, perceiving, remembering, and reasoning. This encompasses a wide range of mental activities, such as learning new information, problem-solving, decision-making, and planning. Cognitive abilities are fundamental to how individuals understand the world around them and make sense of their experiences. The option addressing aesthetic skills related to art and design does not align with the definition of cognitive abilities, as it pertains more to creative and artistic expression rather than the mental processes of thinking and reasoning. Physical actions and motor skills fall under the category of psychomotor skills, which are distinct from cognitive functioning, focusing instead on physical coordination and movement. Lastly, while social interactions and emotional responses do involve mental processes, they are more specifically associated with emotional intelligence rather than cognitive abilities, which are primarily centered on rational thought and intellectual capacity.