Acquired through experience

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 34 views

Introduction

Knowledge is a complex and multifaceted concept that has been studied and debated by philosophers, psychologists, and educators for centuries. There are various ways to categorize and classify knowledge, but two major types of knowledge that are widely recognized are declarative and procedural knowledge. In this article, we will explore the definition, characteristics, and examples of these two types of knowledge.

Declarative Knowledge

Declarative knowledge, also known as factual knowledge, is a type of knowledge that involves the recall of facts, concepts, and information. It is a type of knowledge that can be expressed in words and is often acquired through formal education, reading, and other forms of learning. Declarative knowledge is typically stored in long-term memory and can be retrieved and used in a variety of contexts.

Characteristics of Declarative Knowledge

Factual: Declarative knowledge involves the recall of facts and information.
Verifiable: Declarative knowledge can be verified through evidence and research.
Abstract: Declarative knowledge is often abstract and can be applied in a variety of contexts.
Stored in long-term memory: Declarative knowledge is typically stored in long-term memory and can be retrieved and used in a variety of contexts.

Examples of Declarative Knowledge

Historical dates: Knowing the dates of important historical events, such as the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Scientific facts: Knowing the facts of scientific theories, such as the theory of evolution.
Mathematical formulas: Knowing mathematical formulas, such as the Pythagorean theorem.
Language: Knowing the rules of language, such as grammar and syntax.

Procedural Knowledge

Procedural knowledge, also known as practical knowledge, is a type of knowledge that involves the ability to perform tasks and procedures. It is a type of knowledge that is acquired through experience, practice, and hands-on learning. Procedural knowledge is typically stored in short-term memory and is used in a specific context.

Characteristics of Procedural Knowledge

Practical: Procedural knowledge involves the ability to perform tasks and procedures.
Context-dependent: Procedural knowledge is often context-dependent and is used in a specific situation.
Acquired through experience: Procedural knowledge is typically acquired through experience and practice.
Stored in short-term memory: Procedural knowledge is typically stored in short-term memory and is used in a specific context.

Examples of Procedural Knowledge

Cooking: Knowing how to cook a meal, such as making a soufflé.
Playing a musical instrument: Knowing how to play a musical instrument, such as the piano.
Driving a car: Knowing how to drive a car, such as shifting gears and navigating traffic.
Using a computer: Knowing how to use a computer, such as typing and navigating software.

Comparison of Declarative and Procedural Knowledge

While declarative and procedural knowledge are two distinct types of knowledge, they are not mutually exclusive. In fact, declarative knowledge can be used to inform procedural knowledge, and procedural knowledge can be used to inform declarative knowledge.

Relationship between Declarative and Procedural Knowledge

Declarative knowledge informs procedural knowledge: Declarative knowledge can provide the facts and information needed to perform a task or procedure.
Procedural knowledge informs declarative knowledge: Procedural knowledge can provide the experience and practice needed to develop declarative knowledge.

Conclusion

In conclusion, declarative and procedural knowledge are two major types of knowledge that are widely recognized. Declarative knowledge involves the recall of facts, concepts, and information, while procedural knowledge involves the ability to perform tasks and procedures. Understanding the characteristics and examples of these two types of knowledge can help individuals develop a deeper appreciation for the complexity and diversity of human knowledge.

References

Anderson, J. R. (1982). Acquisition of cognitive skills. Psychological Review, 89(4), 369-406.
Bransford, J. D., & Johnson, M. K. (1972). Contextual prerequisites for understanding: Some investigations of comprehension and recall. Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behavior, 11(6), 717-726.
Ryle, G. (1949). The concept of mind. University of Chicago Press.

Note: The references provided are a selection of the many sources that have contributed to our understanding of declarative and procedural knowledge.

Introduction

Declarative and procedural knowledge are two major types of knowledge that are widely recognized. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about these two types of knowledge.

Q: What is the difference between declarative and procedural knowledge?

A: Declarative knowledge involves the recall of facts, concepts, and information, while procedural knowledge involves the ability to perform tasks and procedures.

Q: Can declarative knowledge be used to inform procedural knowledge?

A: Yes, declarative knowledge can provide the facts and information needed to perform a task or procedure.

Q: Can procedural knowledge be used to inform declarative knowledge?

A: Yes, procedural knowledge can provide the experience and practice needed to develop declarative knowledge.

Q: What are some examples of declarative knowledge?

A: Examples of declarative knowledge include historical dates, scientific facts, mathematical formulas, and language rules.

Q: What are some examples of procedural knowledge?

A: Examples of procedural knowledge include cooking, playing a musical instrument, driving a car, and using a computer.

Q: How do declarative and procedural knowledge relate to each other?

A: Declarative and procedural knowledge are interconnected and can inform each other. Declarative knowledge can provide the facts and information needed to perform a task or procedure, while procedural knowledge can provide the experience and practice needed to develop declarative knowledge.

Q: Can declarative and procedural knowledge be developed simultaneously?

A: Yes, declarative and procedural knowledge can be developed simultaneously. For example, learning a new language involves both declarative knowledge (knowing the rules of grammar and syntax) and procedural knowledge (being able to speak and write the language).

Q: How can declarative and procedural knowledge be applied in real-life situations?

A: Declarative and procedural knowledge can be applied in a variety of real-life situations, such as problem-solving, decision-making, and critical thinking.

Q: Can declarative and procedural knowledge be transferred from one context to another?

A: Yes, declarative and procedural knowledge can be transferred from one context to another. For example, knowledge of a particular skill or procedure can be applied in a different context or situation.

Q: How can declarative and procedural knowledge be assessed and evaluated?

A: Declarative and procedural knowledge can be assessed and evaluated through a variety of methods, including multiple-choice tests, essays, and performance tasks.

Q: What are some implications of declarative and procedural knowledge for education and training?

A: Declarative and procedural knowledge have important implications for education and training. Educators and trainers should strive to develop both declarative and procedural knowledge in their students and trainees, and should use a variety of methods to assess and evaluate knowledge.

Conclusion

In conclusion, declarative and procedural knowledge are two major types of knowledge that are widely recognized. Understanding the characteristics and examples of these two types of knowledge can help individuals develop a deeper appreciation for the complexity and diversity of human knowledge. By answering some of the most frequently asked questions about declarative and procedural knowledge, we hope to have provided a useful resource for educators, trainers, and learners.

References

Anderson, J. R. (1982). Acquisition of cognitive skills. Psychological Review, 89(4), 369-406.
Bransford, J. D., & Johnson, M. K. (1972). Contextual prerequisites for understanding: Some investigations of comprehension and recall. Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behavior, 11(6), 717-726.
Ryle, G. (1949). The concept of mind. University of Chicago Press.

Note: The references provided are a selection of the many sources that have contributed to our understanding of declarative and procedural knowledge.