What cognitive function includes skills such as planning, problem-solving, and decision-making?

The cognitive function that encompasses skills such as planning, problem-solving, and decision-making is executive functions. These are higher-order cognitive processes that enable individuals to manage their thoughts and actions in pursuit of goals. Executive functions are critical for tasks that require the ability to manage oneself and one's resources to achieve a desired outcome, often involving the regulation of behavior and attention.

This category of cognitive processes not only includes planning and decision-making but also encompasses other abilities such as impulse control, mental flexibility, and working memory. These skills work together to allow for effective management of tasks that require strategic thinking, adaptation to new situations, and overcoming obstacles. By utilizing executive functions, individuals can prioritize tasks, consider the consequences of their actions, and develop and implement strategies to solve complex problems.

Other options highlight different aspects of cognitive functioning. Working memory pertains specifically to the short-term processing and storage of information. Declarative memory relates to the conscious recall of facts and events, while cognitive mapping involves the mental representation of spatial relationships in one's environment. These functions are important in their own right, but they do not encapsulate the broader strategic skills involved in executive functions.