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.

1. Assessing KSA
(Knowledge, Skills and Attitude)
The Taxonomy
Prof. Neilson A. Silva
ASIATECH College

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.