Declarative knowledge

Definition

Declarative knowledge refers to the understanding of facts, concepts, and information that can be verbally expressed or declared. This type of knowledge is crucial in learning motor skills, as it involves knowing what to do, why to do it, and how to articulate the information related to the skill. In the context of transferring motor skills, declarative knowledge plays a significant role in how well an individual can apply learned skills from one context to another.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Declarative knowledge can enhance performance by providing learners with cognitive strategies to understand and articulate movements before executing them.
2. The effectiveness of transfer is often influenced by the amount of declarative knowledge an individual possesses about the skills being transferred.
3. High levels of declarative knowledge can lead to better anticipation and decision-making in dynamic environments.
4. Declarative knowledge often requires active learning techniques, such as verbalizing strategies or discussing skills with peers, to be effectively retained and utilized.
5. Learning environments that promote both declarative and procedural knowledge tend to result in more effective skill transfer across different contexts.

Review Questions

• How does declarative knowledge influence the transfer of motor skills between different tasks?
  • Declarative knowledge influences the transfer of motor skills by providing learners with a conceptual framework for understanding how skills relate to one another. When individuals possess strong declarative knowledge about a skill, they are better equipped to identify similarities and differences between tasks. This awareness aids in applying learned skills in new situations, making the transfer process smoother and more effective.
• Discuss the relationship between declarative knowledge and procedural knowledge in motor skill acquisition.
  • The relationship between declarative and procedural knowledge is integral to motor skill acquisition. Declarative knowledge provides the cognitive understanding necessary for skill execution, while procedural knowledge involves the actual performance of those skills. Effective learning environments foster both types of knowledge, allowing learners to understand concepts and then practice executing them, ultimately leading to improved performance through well-rounded skill mastery.
• Evaluate the impact of contextual interference on the development of declarative knowledge in motor learning.
  • Contextual interference can significantly enhance the development of declarative knowledge by forcing learners to engage with multiple tasks or skills in varied contexts. This variability promotes deeper cognitive processing as individuals must adapt their declarative understanding to new situations. As learners navigate through different challenges, they strengthen their ability to articulate what they know about the skills being practiced, leading to better retention and transfer when encountering similar tasks in the future.

Related terms

procedural knowledge: Procedural knowledge is the understanding of how to perform tasks and skills, often involving a step-by-step process that may not be easily articulated.

transfer of learning: Transfer of learning refers to the application of skills or knowledge learned in one situation to different but related situations, impacting performance in new contexts.

contextual interference:

Contextual interference is the interference that results from practicing multiple skills or tasks in varying contexts, which can enhance learning and retention.