What does the intelligence quotient (IQ) measure?

The intelligence quotient (IQ) primarily measures a person's cognitive abilities, specifically their capacity to think, reason, solve problems, and understand complex ideas. This assessment is designed to evaluate various aspects of intellectual functioning, which may include logical reasoning, mathematical skills, language understanding, and memory. IQ tests are structured in a way that quantifies these skills into a numerical score, allowing for comparison between individuals.

Choosing this option highlights the conventional understanding of IQ as a metric for intellectual capabilities, rather than qualities such as physical strength, emotional intelligence, or creativity. Although these latter attributes are important in various contexts, they fall outside the traditional parameters of IQ assessments, which are focused mainly on cognitive intelligence.