There are three primary taxonomies of the psychomotor domain:
- Simpson, E. (1972). The Classification of Educational Objectives in the Psychomotor Domain: The Psychomotor Domain. Vol. 3. Washington, DC: Gryphon House.
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Level |
Definition
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Possible Verbs
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1. Perception
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The ability to use sensory cues to guide physical activity
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Distinguish, identify, select
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2. Set
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The readiness to act; requires the learner to demonstrate an awareness or knowledge of the behaviors needed to carry out the skill
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Assume a position, Demonstrate, Show
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3. Guided response
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The early stage of learning a complex skill; includes imitation;can complete the steps involved in the skill as directed
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Attempt, Imitate, Try
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4. Mechanism
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The ability to perform a complex motor skill; the intermediate stage of learning a complex skill
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5. Complex overt response
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The ability to perform the complete psychomotor skill correctly
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Carry out, Operate, Perform
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6. Adaptation
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Can modify motor skills to fit a new situation
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Adapt, Change, Modify, Revise
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7. Origination
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The ability to develop an original skill that replaces the skill as initially learned
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Create, Design, Originate.
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Modification of Simpson by the University of Mississippi School of Education
- Harrow, A. (1972). A taxonomy of the psychomotor domain. A guide for developing behavioral objectives. New York: McKay.
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Level |
Definition
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Possible Verbs
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1. Reflex movement
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Segmental, intersegmental, and suprasegmental reflexes
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Respond
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2. Basic-fundamental movements
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Locomotor movements, nonlocomotor movements, manipulative movements
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3. Perceptual abilities
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Kinesthetic, visual, auditory and tactile discrimination and coordinated abilities
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4. Physical abilities
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Endurance, strength, flexibility, and agility
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5. Skilled movements
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Simple, compound, and complex adaptive skills
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Assemble, calibrate, construct, dissect
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6. Nondiscursive communication
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Expressive and interpretive movement
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Arrange, compose, create, originate, design
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- Dave, R. (1967). Psychomotor domain. Berlin: International Conference of Educational Testing.
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Level |
Definition
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Possible Verbs
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1. Imitate
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Observe a skill and attempt to repeat it, or see a finished product and attempt to replicate it while attending to an exemplar.
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Attempt, copy, duplicate, imitate, mimic
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2. Manipulate
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Perform the skill or produce the product in a recognizable fashion by following general instructions rather than observation.
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Complete, follow,
play, perform, produce |
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3. Precision
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Independently perform the skill or produce the product, with accuracy, proportion, and exactness; at an expert level.
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Achieve automatically, excel expertly, perform masterfully
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4. Articulation
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Modify the skill or product the product to fit new situations; combine more than one skill in sequence with harmony and consistency.
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Adapt, alter, customize, originate
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5. Naturalization
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Completion of one or more skills with ease and making the skill automatic with limited physical or mental exertion.
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Naturally, perfectly
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