This document outlines three different taxonomies for classifying levels of knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSA):
1. Silva's Cognitive Domain taxonomy describes 6 levels of knowledge - from remembering to creating.
2. Simpson's Psychomotor Domain taxonomy lists 7 levels of skills development - from perception to origination.
3. Harrow's 1972 taxonomy outlines 6 levels of psychomotor skills - from reflex movements to non-discursive communication.
The taxonomies provide examples of each level to illustrate the progression in complexity of knowledge, skills, and abilities.
2. Domain I. Cognitive (Knowledge)
Level 1 Remembering : Recall of previously learned
information
Examples : Recite the multiplication table
• Match the words with the parts of the picture of a
sewing machine
Level 2 Understanding :comprehending the meaning,
translation and interpretation
Examples : Explain in one’s own words the stages in the
life cycle of a butterfly
• Distinguish between he different geometric figures
3. Level 3 Applying : using what has been learned
into similar new situations
Examples : Use a mathematical formula to solve
an algebra problem
• Correct grammar usage
• Prepare a daily menus for one week for a
family of six
4. Level 4 : Analyzing : Separating materials or
concept into component parts to understand
the whole
Examples : Differentiate the parts of a tree
• Observe the classroom and understand the
things to be improved
5. Level 5 Evaluating : judging the value of an idea.
Examples: Defend a research proposal
• Select the most effective solution
• Critique a class demonstration
6. Level 6 : Creating: Building a pattern or putting
parts together
Examples : write a syllabus for a school subject
• Compile personal records and documents into
a portfolio
7. Domain II: Psychomotor (Skills)
Simpson
1. Perception : being aware , use sensory cues to
guide motor activity
Examples : Estimate where a ball will land after
it is thrown and move to the correct location
to cath the ball.
8. 2. Set : The readiness to act (mindsets)
Examples : Knows and acts upon a sequence of
steps in processing
• Recognize one’s abilities and limitations
9. 3. Guided Response : Imitation and trial and
error
Examples : Perform a mathematical equation as
demonstrated.
• Follow instruction to build a model
• Responds hands signal of instructor while
learning to operate a forklift
10. 4. Mechanism (basic proficiency) : Learned
responses have become habitual
• Use a personal computers
11. 5. Complex Overt Response : Proficiency is
indicated , performing without hesitation
Examples: Operates a computer quickly and
accurately.
• Displays competence while playing the piano
12. 6. Adaptation : Skills are well developed.
Individual can modify movement
Examples : Perform a task with a machine that it
was not originally intended to do.
13. 7. Origination : Creating new movement
patterns to fit particular situation or specific
problem. Emphasizes creativity based upon
highly developed skills
Examples: Create a new gymnastics routine
• Constructs a new theory
14. Dave taxonomy
1. Imitation : Observing and patterning
behavior after someone else.
Examples: Copying a work of art
2. Manipulation : perform certain actions by
memory or following instructions
• Follows instructions to build a model .
15. 3. Precision : Refining becoming more exact.
• Performing a skill within a high degree of
precision
Examples : Working and reworking so it will be
just right.
• Perform a task without assistance
16. 4. Articulation : Coordinating and adapting a
series of actions to achieve harmony
Examples : Combining a series of skills to
produce a video that involves music, drama,
etc.
• Combining a series of skills to meet a novel
requirement.
17. 5. Naturalization : Mastering a high level
performance until it becomes natural
Examples : Operates a computer quickly and
accurately
• Displays competence while playing the piano.
18. Harrow 1972
1. Reflex Movements : Reactions that are not
learned (involuntary)
Examples : Instinctive response
2. Fundamental Movements : Basic movements
such as walking or grasping
Examples : perform a simple task
19. 3. Perceptual abilities : Response to stimuli such
as visual, auditory, kinesthetic, tactile
Examples : Track a moving object
• Recognize a pattern
20. 4. Physical abilities : stamina that must be
developed for further development such as
strenghth and agility
Examples : Run a marathon
21. 5. Skilled movements : Advanced learned
movements as in sports or acting
Examples :
Using an advanced series of integrated
movements, , perform a role in stage play
22. 6. Non-discursive communication
Use effective body language such as facial
expressions and gestures .
* Express one’s self by using movements and
gestures.