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Learning Concept Map
Learning Concept Map

Learning Essays

Learning: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

KSA (Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities [sometimes referred to as SKA]) are characteristics that enables a job holder to accomplish the activities described in a task statement (what the job holder does).

In a learning environment, cognitive, psychomotor, & affective are KSA's counterparts that identify end states of training (objectives).

Learning Outcome Typology

For more detail, see Kraiger, et al. (1993).

  1. Cognitive (knowledge)
    • Verbal Knowledge - factual and declarative knowledge (propositional knowledge) knowledge
    • Knowledge Organization - how information and concepts are mentally arranged
    • Metacognitive Strategies - allocation and regulation of cognitive resources
  2. Skill-Based (psychomotor)
    • Compilation - routine development and procedure linkage
    • Automaticity - ability to perform a task without Conscious monitoring and with other tasks
  3. Affective (attitudes)
    • Attitude - attitude about learning, self-efficacy, perception about ability to perform, and goal setting
    • Motivation - motivational disposition

References

Kraiger, K., Ford, J., & Salas, E. (1993). Application of cognitive, skill-based, and affective theories of learning outcomes to new methods of training evaluation. Journal of Applied Psychology, 78, 311-328.

Quinones, Miguel A. and Ehrenstein, ADDIE (1997). Training for a Rapidly Changing Workplace: Applications of Psychological Research. Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association, p. 154.