What type of objectives include assessments of what the audience knows or understands?

Cognitive objectives are focused on the mental processes involved in learning. They assess what the audience knows, understands, and can apply in terms of knowledge. This category often involves the recall of facts, the understanding of concepts, and the application of learned material in various contexts. Cognitive objectives are essential for determining the effectiveness of educational programs, as they provide a clear measure of the audience's comprehension and analytical abilities.

In contrast, affective objectives relate to feelings, attitudes, and values; psychomotor objectives involve physical skills and actions; while social objectives focus on interpersonal skills and interactions. These categories do not primarily assess knowledge or comprehension but rather explore other dimensions of learning and personal development. Thus, cognitive objectives are specifically tailored to evaluate understanding and knowledge retention within the audience.