Effective assessment should measure which of the following?

Effective assessment primarily aims to measure cognitive skills because these skills are essential for understanding concepts, applying knowledge, and developing critical thinking abilities. Cognitive skills encompass a range of mental capabilities, including memory, reasoning, problem-solving, and the ability to learn new information. By measuring cognitive skills, assessments can provide a clear indication of a learner's understanding and ability to apply what they have learned in practical situations.

Engagement, emotional responses, and physical abilities are also important aspects of the learning process, but they do not focus as directly on the assessment of knowledge or understanding. While engagement can indicate a student's interest and motivation, the primary goal of assessment is to evaluate what students know and how well they can use that knowledge. Emotional responses can influence learning but are considered more subjective and based on individual experiences. Physical abilities are important in certain fields, particularly in skills training or performance-based assessments, but they are not the main focus of cognitive assessments intended to measure understanding and knowledge retention.