Which term describes the defining features of a person's mental capabilities?

The term that best describes the defining features of a person's mental capabilities is cognitive skills. Cognitive skills encompass a range of mental abilities, including perception, memory, attention, reasoning, and problem-solving. These skills play a crucial role in how individuals process information, learn, and interact with their environment.

In the context of understanding someone's mental capabilities, cognitive skills specifically highlight the functional aspects of thought processes and intelligence, providing a clearer view of an individual's performance in tasks that require mental effort.

Mental characteristics are broader and can include a variety of traits, but they do not solely focus on the specific skills involved in cognitive functioning. Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to recognize and manage one’s own emotions and the emotions of others, which, while important, is a subset of overall cognitive ability. Personality traits describe stable characteristics that influence an individual’s behavior and reactions but do not directly address cognitive capacities.