COGNITIVE learning is demonstrated by knowledge recall and the intellectual skills: comprehending information, organizing ideas, analyzing and

synthesizing data, applying knowledge, choosing among alternatives in problem-solving and evaluating ideas or actions.
Level Illustrative Verbs Definition Examples
Knowledge Arrange, define, describe, duplicate, identify, label, list, Remembering previously Memory of specific facts,
match, memorize, name, order, outline, recognize, relate, learned information terminology, rules, sequences,
recall, repeat, reproduce, select, state procedures, classification,
categories, criteria, methodology,
principles, theories, and structure
Comprehension Classify, convert, defend, describe, discuss, distinguish, Grasping the meaning of Stating problem in own words,
estimate, explain, express, extend, generalize, give information translating a formula,
examples, identify, indicate, infer, locate, paraphrase, understanding a flow chart,
predict, recognize, rewrite, report, restate, review, select, translating words and phrases from
summarize, translate a foreign language
Application Apply, change, choose, compute, demonstrate, discover, Applying knowledge to Taking principles learned and
dramatize, employ, illustrate, interpret, manipulate, actual situations applying them to a problem
modify, operate, practice, predict, prepare, produce, especially in another area
relate, schedule, show, sketch, solve, use, write
Analysis Analyze, appraise, break down, calculate, categorize, Breaking down objects or Discussing how concepts differ,
compare, contrast, criticize, diagram, differentiate, ideas into simpler parts and detecting logical fallacies in a
discriminate, distinguish, examine, experiment, identify, seeing how the parts relate student’s explanation
illustrate, infer, model, outline, point out, question, and are organized
related, select, separate, subdivide, test
Synthesis Arrange, assemble, categorize, collect, combine, comply, Rearranging component ideas Writing a comprehensive report on
compose, construct, create, design, develop, devise, into a new whole a problem-solving exercise,
design, explain, formulate, generate, integrate, manage, planning a program or panel
modify, organize, plan, prepare, propose, rearrange, discussion, writing a
reconstruct, relate, reorganize, revise, rewrite, set up, comprehensive term paper
summarize, synthesize, tell, write
Evaluation Appraise, argue, assess, attach, choose, compare, Making judgments based on Evaluating alternative solutions to a
conclude, contrast, defend, describe, discriminate, internal evidence or external problem, detecting inconsistencies
estimate, evaluate, explain, judge, justify, interpret, criteria in a speech
relate, predict, rate, select, summarize, support, value
Grolund, N. E. (1981). Measurement and evaluation in teaching, 4th ed. New York, Macmillan Publishing.
McBeath, R. J. (Ed.). (1992). Instructing and evaluating in higher education: A guidebook for planning learning outcomes. Englewood Cliffs, NJ:
Educational Technology.
AFFECTIVE learning is demonstrated by behaviors indicating attitudes of awareness, interest, attention, concern, and responsibility, ability to listen
and respond in interactions with others, and ability to demonstrate those attitudinal characteristics or values which are appropriate to the test situation
and the field of study.
Level Illustrative Verbs Definition Examples
Receiving Asks, chooses, describes, follows, gives, holds, identifies, Willingness to receive or Listening to discussions on
locates, names, points to, selects, sits erect, replies, uses attend controversial issues with an open
mind, respecting the rights of others

Responding Answers, assists, complies, conforms, discusses, greets, Actively participating Completing homework
helps, labels, performs, practices, presents, reads, recites, indicating positive response assignments, participating in team
reports, selects, tells, writes or acceptance of an idea or problem-solving activities
policy
Valuing Completes, describes, differentiates, explains, follows, Expressing a belief or Accepting ideas or participating in
forms, initiates, invites, joins, justifies, proposes, reads, attitudes about the value or activities
reports, selects, shares, studies, works worth of something
Organization Adheres, alters, arranges, combines, compares, Organizing various values Recognizing own abilities,
completes, defends, explains, generalizes, identifies, into an integrated system limitations, and values and
integrates, modifies, orders, organizes, prepares, relates, developing realistic aspirations
synthesizes
Characterization Acts, discriminates, displays, influences, listens, The value system becomes a A person’s lifestyle influences
by value or value modifies, performs, practices, proposes, qualifies, way of life reactions to many different kinds of
complex questions, revises, serves, solves, uses, verifies situations
Grolund, N. E. (1981). Measurement and evaluation in teaching, 4 ed. New York, Macmillan Publishing.
th

McBeath, R. J. (Ed.). (1992). Instructing and evaluating in higher education: A guidebook for planning learning outcomes. Englewood Cliffs, NJ:
Educational Technology.
PSYCHOMOTOR learning is demonstrated by physical skills: coordination, dexterity, manipulation, grace, strength, speed, actions which
demonstrate the fine motors skills such as use of precision instruments or tools, or actions which evidence gross motor skills such as the use of the
body in performance.
Level Illustrative Verbs Definition Examples
Perception Chooses, describes, detects, differentiates, distinguishes, Using sense organs to obtain Listening to the sounds made by
identifies, isolates, relates, selects, separates cues needed to guide motor instruments before tuning them,
activities recognizing sounds that indicate
 malfunctioning equipment
Set Begins, displays, explains, moves, proceeds, reacts, Being ready to perform a Knowing how to use a computer
responds, shows, starts, volunteers particular action: mental, mouse, having instrument ready to
physical, or emotional play and watching conductor to
being performance, showing
eagerness to assemble components
to complete a task
Guided responses Assembles, builds, calibrates, constructs, dismantles, Performing under guidance of Using a tool after observing an
displays, dissects, fastens, fixes, grinds, heats, a model: imitation or trial and expert demonstrate its use,
manipulates, measures, mends, mixes, organizes, sketches error experimenting in various ways to
measure a substance
Mechanism Same as list for guided response Being able to perform a task Demonstrating the ability to
habitually with some degree correctly execute a maneuver
of confidence or proficiency consistently
Complex or overt Same as list for guided response Performing a task with a high Dismantling and re-assembling
response degree of proficiency and various components quickly and
skill with no errors
Adaptation Adapts, alters, changes, rearranges, reorganizes, revises, Using previously learning Using skills developed using one
varies skills to perform new but type of equipment to operate
related tasks advanced equipment
Origination Arranges, combines, composes, constructs, creates, Creating new performances Designing a more efficient way to
designs, originates after having developed skills perform a task
Grolund, N. E. (1981). Measurement and evaluation in teaching, 4th ed. New York, Macmillan Publishing.
McBeath, R. J. (Ed.). (1992). Instructing and evaluating in higher education: A guidebook for planning learning outcomes. Englewood Cliffs, NJ:
Educational Technology.