Types and qualities of knowledge

TLDR

Learning and instruction research emphasizes knowledge as central, with a knowledge base comprising various types—such as declarative and procedural—and qualities like depth, generality, automation, modality, and structure. The article introduces a matrix that maps knowledge types and qualities to analyze and classify research on knowledge. The matrix links assessment methods, expert–beginner differences, instructional measures, and learning goals to its cells, enabling classification of knowledge research.

Abstract

AbstractResearch in learning and instruction claims a central role for the concept of knowledge. The knowledge base of a person, it is now generally assumed, is made up of different types of knowledge. The most well-known examples are declarative and procedural knowledge, but more elaborate distinctions exist. Furthermore, the knowledge base is characterized by different qualities, such as level (deep or surface) of knowledge, generality of knowledge, level of automization of knowledge, modality of knowledge, and structure of knowledge. The present article examines the concept of knowledge by presenting a matrix that takes types arid qualities of knowledge as its dimensions. This matrix can be used to classify research on knowledge by linking aspects such as knowledge assessment techniques, expert-beginner differences, instructional measures, and learning goals to the cells of the matrix.