Cognitive, Affective, and Psychomotor Domains

Grading

Assignments are graded at the level indicated on the assignment. Generally, in Pharm 439, higher cognitive levels are expected (e.g.,
application and higher). Use the following tables to help you prepare your assignments.

Cognitive Domain

According to various researchers there are six levels of cognitive complexity: knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis,
synthesis, evaluation. In the chart below, note the hierarchical arrangement, which means that higher levels subsume ability in lower
levels. The higher the level, the presumably more complex mental operation is required. Higher levels are not necessarily more
desirable than lower levels, because one cannot achieve the higher levels without an ability to use the lower levels. As one moves up
into higher levels, however, the more applicable the skills are to those needed in daily life.

Action Verbs Describing

Level Description Learning Outcomes
Evaluation Requires the formation of judgments and decisions about the Appraise Judge
value of methods, ideas, people, products. Must be able to Compare Justify
state the bases for judgments (e.g., external criteria or Contrast Support
principles used to reach conclusions.) Criticize Validate
Defend
Sample question: Evaluate the quality or worth of a value as
applied to pharmacy.
Synthesis Requires production of something unique or original. At this Categorize Devise
level, one is expected to solve unfamiliar problems in unique Compile Formulate
way, or combine parts to form a unique or novel solution. Compose Predict
Create Produce
Sample question: Integrate data from several sources (e.g., Design
various readings and observations at the service site).
Analysis Identification of logical errors (e.g., point out contradictions, Break down Infer
erroneous inference) or differentiate among facts, opinions, Deduce Outline
assumptions, hypotheses, conclusions. One is expected to Diagram Point out
draw relations among ideas and to compare and contrast. Differentiate Relate
Distinguish Separate
Sample question: Deduce a client’s beliefs regarding out
preventive health actions. Illustrate
Subdivide
Application Use previously acquired information in a setting other than the Change Organize
one in which it was learned. Because problems at this level are Compute Prepare
presented in a different and applied way, one cannot rely on Demonstrate Relate
content or context to solve the problem. Develop Solve
Modify Transfer
Sample question: Organize your observations at a site to Operate Use
demonstrate a particular value.
Comprehension Some degree of understanding is required in order to change Convert Extend
the form of communication, translate, restate what has been Defend Generalize
read or heard, see connections or relationships among parts of Discriminate Infer
a communication (interpretation), draw conclusions, see Distinguish Paraphrase
consequences from information (inference). Estimate Predict
Explain Summarize
Sample Question: Explain pharmaceutical care.
wledge Remember or recall information such as facts, terminology, Define Name
problem-solving strategies, rules Describe Outline
Identify Recall
Sample question: Define pharmaceutical care. Label Recite
List Select
 Match State
Borich, G.D. (1996). Effective teaching methods, 3rd Ed. Englewood cliffs, NJ: Merrill.

Affective Domain

Like the cognitive domain, the affective domain is hierarchical with higher levels being more complex and depending upon mastery of
the lower levels. With movement to more complexity, one becomes more involved, committed, and self-reliant. Note the parallel
between external and internal motivation. As one moves from being externally to internally motivated, one moves to higher levels.

Action Verbs Describing Learning

Level Description Outcomes
Characteri- All behavior displayed is consistent with one’s value Avoid
zation system. Values are integrated into a pervasive Display
philosophy that never allows expressions that are out Exhibit
of character with those values. Evaluation at this level Internalize
involves the extent to which one has developed a Manage
consistent philosophy of life (e.g., exhibits respect for Require
the worth and dignity of human beings in all Resist
situations). Resolve
Revise
Organization Commitment to a set of values. This level involves 1) Abstract Formulate
forming a reason why one values certain things and not Balance Select
others, and 2) making appropriate choices between Compare Systemize
things that are and are not valued. One is expected to Decide Theorize
organize likes and preferences into a value system and Define
then to decide which ones will be dominant.
Valuing Display behavior consistent with a single belief or Act Express
attitude in situations where one is neither forced or Argue Help
asked to comply. One is expected to demonstrate a Convince Organize
preference or display a high degree of certainty and Debate Prefer
conviction. Display
Responding One is required to comply with given expectations by Applaud Participate
attending or reacting to certain stimuli. One is Comply Play
expected to obey, participate, or respond willingly Discuss Practice
when asked or directed to do something. Follow Volunteer
Obey
Receiving One is expect to be aware of or to passively attend to Attend Listen
certain stimuli or phenomena. Simply listening and Be aware Look
being attentive are the expectations. Control Notice
Discern Share
Hear

Psychomotor Domain
This domain is given primarily for information. Other courses within the curriculum stress this various levels of psychomotor
performance (e.g., Clinical Skills Laboratory, Pharmacy Practice I).

Psychomotor behaviors are performed actions that are neuromuscular in nature and demand certain levels of physical dexterity.

Action Verbs Describing Learning

Level Description Outcomes
Naturali- High level of proficiency is necessary. The behavior is Automatically Spontaneously
zation performed with the least expenditure of energy, Effortlessly With ease
becomes routine, automatic, and spontaneous. Naturally With perfection
Professionally With poise
Routinely
 Articulation Requires the display of coordination of a series of Confidence Smoothness
related acts by establishing the appropriate sequence Coordination Speed
and performing the acts accurately, with control as Harmony Stability
well as with speed and timing. Integration Timing
Proportion
Precision Requires performance of some action independent of Accurately Proficiently
either written instructions or a visual model. One is Errorlessly With balance
expected to reproduce an action with control and to Independently With control
reduce errors to a minimum.
Manipulation Performance of an action with written or verbal Align Place
directions but without a visual model or direct Balance Repeat
observation. The action may be performed crudely or Follow Rest (on)
without neuromuscular coordination at this stage. Grasp Step (here)
Notice that the action verbs are the same as those for Hold
the imitation stage. The difference is that these actions
are performed with the aid of written and verbal
instruction, not visual demonstration.
Imitation The learner observes and then imitates an action. Align Place
These behaviors may be crude and imperfect. The Balance Repeat
expectation that the individual is able to watch and Follow Rest (on)
then repeat an action. Grasp Step (here)
Hold