A control chart measuring attributes captures what type of characteristics?

A control chart that measures attributes captures discrete values that can be counted. This is because attribute control charts are designed to monitor the quality of a process based on counts of defective items or the presence or absence of specific characteristics in a product, rather than measuring characteristics on a continuous scale.

For instance, in quality control, attributes could include the number of defective items in a batch or the incidence of defects in a sample taken from a production line. These values are quantifiable in whole numbers, making them discrete in nature.

In contrast, continuous measurements such as weight and volume are tracked using different types of charts, such as variable control charts, which are better suited for data that can take on any value within a range. Similarly, soft characteristics, which may pertain to subjective aspects of quality like customer satisfaction or design aesthetics, are not typically represented in a control chart focused on discrete counts. Thus, the focus of attribute control charts on countable factors clearly supports the selection of the first option.