How is mental retardation defined in an educational context?

In an educational context, mental retardation, which is now more commonly referred to as intellectual disability, is defined primarily as a condition resulting in low cognitive ability. This definition encompasses significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior, which includes practical skills and reasoning abilities necessary for daily living.

The emphasis of this definition is on the cognitive aspect, highlighting that individuals with this condition have challenges in learning, problem-solving, and reasoning. This aligns with the educational framework, which seeks to understand how a student's cognitive capabilities can affect their learning process and adapt instructional methods accordingly.

While other options address various issues, they do not accurately capture the essence of how mental retardation is conceptualized within the educational system. For instance, physical incapacity is more related to physical disabilities rather than cognitive challenges. Likewise, temporary learning issues would imply that the difficulties are not persistent or inherent to the individual, which contrasts with the ongoing nature of intellectual disabilities. Emotional disturbances, on the other hand, refer to psychological issues rather than cognitive limitations. Overall, option B provides the most accurate definition in the context of education.