What does the cognitive domain primarily involve?

The cognitive domain primarily involves mental skills and the acquisition of knowledge, which encompasses a range of cognitive processes, such as remembering, understanding, applying, analyzing, evaluating, and creating. This domain is central to educational psychology and instructional design, as it focuses on how students think, learn, and process information. It includes activities like problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making.

In contrast, the other options focus on different areas of learning. Emotions and attitudes are part of the affective domain, which deals with feelings, values, and emotional responses. Physical skills and abilities belong to the psychomotor domain, which involves hands-on skills and motor activities. Lastly, values and beliefs also fall under the affective domain, reflecting personal and social attitudes rather than cognitive capabilities. Thus, the clear emphasis on mental processes and knowledge acquisition firmly supports why the cognitive domain is centered around these aspects of learning.