Procedural Knowledge

Definition

Procedural knowledge refers to the understanding of how to perform certain tasks and skills, often acquired through practice and experience. This type of knowledge is crucial in various contexts, including cognitive processes, as it allows individuals to execute actions automatically without conscious thought. Procedural knowledge contrasts with declarative knowledge, which is the knowledge of facts and information, highlighting the importance of practice in mastering complex tasks.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Procedural knowledge is often implicit, meaning individuals may not be able to verbalize how they perform a task but can still execute it proficiently.
2. This type of knowledge is essential in learning motor skills, such as riding a bike or playing an instrument, where practice leads to automaticity.
3. In semantic networks, procedural knowledge contributes to how concepts are organized and retrieved when performing specific tasks.
4. The development of procedural knowledge typically follows a progression from cognitive (thinking about how to do something), to associative (practicing and refining), and finally to autonomous (performing effortlessly).
5. Procedural knowledge can enhance problem-solving abilities by providing efficient strategies that are drawn upon from previous experiences.

Review Questions

• How does procedural knowledge differ from declarative knowledge, and why is this distinction important in learning processes?
  • Procedural knowledge differs from declarative knowledge in that it focuses on knowing how to perform tasks rather than just knowing facts. This distinction is crucial because it highlights the role of practice in learning complex skills. While declarative knowledge provides foundational information, procedural knowledge enables individuals to apply this information effectively in real-world situations, showcasing the practical aspect of learning.
• Evaluate the impact of cognitive load on the acquisition of procedural knowledge during skill learning.
  • Cognitive load significantly affects the acquisition of procedural knowledge because high cognitive load can hinder a learner's ability to focus on practicing skills effectively. When learners are overwhelmed with information or distractions, they may struggle to internalize procedures. Thus, managing cognitive load by simplifying tasks or breaking them into manageable steps can enhance the learning experience and facilitate better retention of procedural skills.
• Analyze how semantic networks might represent procedural knowledge and its relationships with other types of knowledge within cognitive frameworks.
  • Semantic networks can represent procedural knowledge by linking specific tasks to related concepts, showing how different skills are interconnected. For instance, a network might illustrate how learning to ride a bike involves connections to balance, coordination, and timing. By mapping out these relationships, cognitive frameworks provide insight into how procedural knowledge interacts with declarative knowledge, influencing the retrieval of relevant information when performing tasks. This analysis reveals the complexity of our cognitive structures and underscores the importance of practice in skill mastery.

Related terms

Declarative Knowledge:

Declarative knowledge is the awareness of facts and information that can be explicitly stated, such as knowing that Paris is the capital of France.

Cognitive Load:

Cognitive load refers to the total amount of mental effort being used in the working memory, which can affect learning and performance.

Skill Acquisition: Skill acquisition is the process through which a person learns to perform a task more efficiently over time, often involving stages from novice to expert.