What term refers to the development of thinking and problem-solving capabilities?

The correct answer is cognitive development, which specifically refers to the process by which individuals acquire and refine their thinking and problem-solving capabilities over time. This encompasses a range of mental processes including perception, memory, judgment, and reasoning, all of which contribute to how individuals understand and interact with the world. Cognitive development is a fundamental concept in psychology, particularly in developmental psychology, as it outlines the stages through which intelligence progresses, providing insights into how children learn and grow into adulthood.

Emotional intelligence relates more to the ability to understand and manage one’s own emotions and those of others, which is distinct from the cognitive processes involved in problem-solving. Critical thinking skills involve evaluating and analyzing information, but they are specific applications of cognitive skills rather than the broad process of cognitive development itself. Analytical reasoning, meanwhile, focuses particularly on the ability to dissect information logically and draw conclusions, which is a component of cognitive development but does not encompass the entire scope of the term in question.