Instructional design/Learning objectives/Performance self-test/Answers

The following identifies the performance phrases with the cognitive level of Bloom's Taxonomy.

Remember to ask yourself

  • Is the performance phrase a main intent of the instruction?
  • Is the performance overt or observable?
  • Is the performance measurable?



1. Which of the following is a performance phrase for knowledge?

...List the 5 phases of the ADDIE Model (Knowledge)
...Know the 5 phases of the ADDIE Model (Not observable)
...Explain the 5 phases of the ADDIE Model (Comprehension) 
...Demonstrate the 5 phases of the ADDIE Model (Application)

Knowledge is the recall or remembering of information that was previously learned. The information could be a fact, concept, procedure, or principle. Verbs that communicate knowledge are cite, list, name, point, select, write, and state.


2. Which of the following is a performance phrase for comprehension?

...Design a Goal-Based Scenario instructional strategy (Synthesis)
...Use the Goal-Based Scenario instructional strategy (Application)
...Understand the Goal-Based Scenario instructional strategy (Not observable) 
...Classify the Goal-Based Scenario instructional strategy (Comprehension)

Comprehension is defined as the ability to grasp the meaning of material. This may be shown by translating material from one form to another (words to numbers), by interpreting material (explaining or summarizing), and by estimating future trends (predicting consequences or effects). Verbs that communcate comprehension are discuss, describe, classify, explain, and summarize


3. Which of the following is a performance phrase for application?

...Calculate a solution with Boyle's Law (Application)
...Define Boyle's Law (Knowledge)
...Explain Boyle's Law (Comprehension) 
...Discuss the pressure in Boyle's Law (Comprehension)

Application refers to the ability to use learned material in new and concrete situations. This may include the application of such things as rules, methods, concepts, principles, laws, and theories. Verbs that communicate application are demonstrate, develop, calculate, compute, and apply


4. Which of the following is a performance phrase for analysis?

...Describe cancerous cells (Comprehension)
...Identify a cancerous cell (Knowledge)
...Differentiate between several types of cancer (Analysis) 
...Name several types of cancer (Knowledge)

Analysis refers to the ability to break down material into its component parts so that its organizational structure may be understood. This may include the identification of the parts, analysis of the relationships between parts, and recognition of the organizational principles involved. Verbs that communicate analysis are dinstinguish, differentiate, discriminate, compare, contrast, and examine. (A note about "Identify" and "Differentiate." Both verbs by themselves might lead to some misunderstanding concerning how the learner is supposed to "identify" or "differentiate" the cancer cells. In these instances, we will need to provide clarification throught the addition of a condition phrase)


5. Which of the following is a performance phrase for synthesis?

...Appreciate constructivst learning theory (Not observable or measurable)
...Formulate a constructivist learning theory (Synthesis)
...Apply a constructivist learning theory (Application) 
...Explain a constructivist learning theory (Comprehension)

Synthesis refers to the ability to put parts together to form a new whole. This may involve the production of a unique communication (theme or speech), a plan of operations (research proposal), or a set of abstract relations (scheme for classifying information). Learning outcomes in this area stress creative behaviors, with major emphasis on the formulation of new patterns or structures. Verbs that communicate synthesis are desing, compose, construct, create, formulate, prepare, and propose.


6. Which of the following is a performance phrase for evaluation?

...Draw an accident diagram (Knowledge or Comprehension)
...Describe the accident sequence (Comprehension)
...Arrange the events in chronological order (Synthesis) 
...Determine the probable cause of the accident (Evaluation)

Evaluation is concerned with the ability to judge the value of material (statement, novel, poem, research report) for a given purpose. The judgements are to be based on definite criteria. These may be internal criteria (organization) or external criteria (relevance to the purpose) and the student may determine the criteria or be given them. Verbs that communicate evaluation are appraise, assess, critique, diagnose, evaluate, justify, and determine. (A note about "determine". When making a judgement or assessment concerning a concept, more information needs to be provided in the condition phrase of the objective statement)

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