Writing Behavioral Objectives

Domains to be Considered

Cognitive Domain
1. Knowledge: Rote memorizing of information in a basically word-for-word fashion	Reciting definitions of terms Remembering lists of items
2. Comprehension: Translating information into one's own words	Rewording a definition Paraphrasing a rule
3. Application: Using information in a new situation	Applying mathematical principles to the solution of word problems Applying psychological theories of learning to educational practice
4. Analytic: Breaking information down into its constituent parts	Discovering the assumptions underlying a philosophical essay Identifying logical fallacies in an argument
5. Synthetic: Constructing something new by integrating several pieces of information	Developing a theory Presenting a logical defense of a particular viewpoint within a debate
6. Evaluation: Placing a value judgement on data	Critiquing a theory Examining the internal and external validity of an experiment
Psychomotor Domain
1. Reflex Movements: Responding to a stimulus involuntarily, without conscious thought	Ducking to avoid being hit by an incoming object Shifting weight to maintain one's balance
2. Basic-fundamental Movements: Making basic voluntary movements directed toward a particular purpose	Walking Holding a pencil
3. Perceptual abilities: Responding appropriately to information received through the senses	Following a moving object with one's eyes Maintaining hand-eye coordination
4. Physical abilities: Developing general abilities in the areas of endurance, strength, flexibility, and agility	Running a long distance Exercising with weights Changing direction quickly
5. Skilled Movements: Performing a complex action with some degree of proficiency or mastery	Swimming Throwing a football Sawing a piece of wood
6. Nondiscursive communication: Communicating feelings and emotions through bodily actions	Doing pantomime Dancing to communicate the mood of a musical piece
Affective Domain
1. Receiving: Being aware of, or paying attention to, something	Recognizing that there may be two sides to a story Knowing that there are differences among people of different cultural backgrounds
2. Responding: Making an active and willing response to something	Obeying playground rules Reading books for pleasure
3. Valuing: Consistently demonstrating interests in a particular activity so that ongoing involvement or commitment in the activity is reflected.	Writing a letter to a newspaper regarding an issue one feels strongly about Consistently eating a balanced diet
4. Organization: Integrating a new value into one's existing set of values and building a value system	Forming judgements about the directions in which society should move Setting priorities in one's life
5. Characterization by a value or value complex: Consistently behaving in accordance with an organized value system and integrating that system into a total philosophy of life	Perceiving situations objectively, realistically, and with tolerance Relying increasingly on the scientific method as a means of answering questions about the world and society