How are language measures categorized according to cognitive approaches?

Language measures categorized according to cognitive approaches typically emphasize the measurement of language skills based on their topographical characteristics. This approach values how language is structured and produced, such as vocabulary, grammar, and sentence construction, focusing on observable aspects of language behavior rather than its functions or the underlying cognitive processes.

The topographical approach is primarily concerned with the physical characteristics of language, such as spoken words or written text, and is essential for understanding language development and acquisition. This is in contrast to functional measurements, which prioritize how language is used in context, or other approaches that explore deeper cognitive structures. By focusing on the surface features of language, this method provides valuable data on an individual's language abilities that can be quantitatively analyzed and compared across contexts or populations.