Which type of encoding focuses on the physical qualities of something?

The focus on the physical qualities of something is best captured by structural encoding. This type of encoding involves the processing of the physical attributes of stimuli, such as how something looks or how it is arranged. It's concerned with features like shape, size, and other observable characteristics rather than meaning or sound.

In contrast, semantic encoding deals with the meaning of information, leading individuals to think more conceptually about what they are encountering. Visual encoding includes the processing of images and visual information, and while it does pertain to what something looks like, it encompasses more than just inherent physical attributes. Acoustic encoding focuses on the sound of stimuli, which pertains to how things are perceived auditorily rather than their physical structure. Thus, structural encoding is distinctly aligned with physical qualities, making it the correct choice in this context.