Categories of Knowledge

Prof. N.J. Rao

What is Knowledge?

Knowledge is relationships, facts, assumptions, heuristics and models derived through the formal and informal analysis or interpretation of data. Knowledge is defined as remembering previously learned material. Knowledge represents the lowest and most basic level of learning. Knowledge is the internalization of information, data and experience Knowledge is the psychological result of perception of learning and reasoning

December 2011

NJ Rao IIIT, Bangalore

Perspective of knowledge

Is based on the current perspectives in cognitive science and cognitive psychology on knowledge presentation. Different from simple behaviorist view that knowledge is best represented as an accumulation of associations between stimuli and responses or merely a quantitative increase in bits of information. Knowledge is organized and structured by the learner in line with a rationalist-constructivist tradition. Knowledge is domain specific and contextualized. Social experiences and context play an important role in the construction and development of knowledge

December 2011

NJ Rao IIIT, Bangalore

Proposed types of knowledge

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Factual Knowledge Conceptual Knowledge Procedural Knowledge Fundamental Design Principles Criteria and Specifications Practical Constraints Design Instrumentalities Metacognitive Knowledge

December 2011

NJ Rao IIIT, Bangalore

Factual knowledge
basic elements students must know if they are to be acquainted with the discipline or solve any of the problems in it exists at a relatively low level of abstraction Subtypes of Factual Knowledge Knowledge of terminology (e.g., words, numerals, signs, pictures) Knowledge of specific details (including descriptive and prescriptive data) and elements

December 2011

NJ Rao IIIT, Bangalore

Conceptual Knowledge

A concept denotes all of the entities, phenomena, and/or relations in a given category or class by using definitions. Concepts are abstract in that they omit the differences of the things in their extension Classical concepts are universal in that they apply equally to every thing in their extension. Concepts are also the basic elements of propositions, much the same way a word is the basic semantic element of a sentence.

December 2011

NJ Rao IIIT, Bangalore

Conceptual knowledge
includes knowledge of categories and classifications, and the relationships between and among them schemas, mental models, or implicit or explicit theories Schemas and models, and theories represent how a particular subject matter is organized and structured how the different parts or bits of information are interconnected and interrelated in a more systematic manner how these parts function together
December 2011

NJ Rao IIIT, Bangalore

Knowledge of classifications and categories

includes specific categories, classes, divisions, and arrangements that are used in different subject matters more general and often more abstract than the knowledge of terminology and specific facts Each subject matter has a set of categories that are used to discover new elements as well as to deal with them once they are discovered. When one is concerned with realizing a logic expression the major categories include binary variables logic functions, truth-tables, hardware logic units, assertion levels etc.

December 2011

NJ Rao IIIT, Bangalore

Procedural knowledge

is the knowledge of how to do something it often takes the form of a series or sequence of steps to be followed. includes knowledge of skills, algorithms, techniques, and methods, collectively known as procedures also includes knowledge of the criteria used to determine when to use various procedures. is specific or germane to particular subject matters or academic disciplines

December 2011

NJ Rao IIIT, Bangalore

Subtypes of procedural knowledge

Knowledge of subject specific skills and algorithms Knowledge of subject-specific techniques and methods Knowledge of criteria for determining when to use appropriate procedures

December 2011

NJ Rao IIIT, Bangalore

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Fundamental Design Concepts

Operational principles of devices, and components within a device. Examples A device can perform a variety of tasks by incorporating memory into it. A device that has two well defined states can be used as a memory unit. Stepping movement can be created through interaction between two salient magnetic fields. An airfoil, by virtue of it shape, in particular its sharp trailing edge, generates lift when inclined at an angle to the air stream.
December 2011

NJ Rao IIIT, Bangalore

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Criteria and Specifications

It is necessary to translate the qualitative goals for the device into specific, quantitative goals. Design criteria vary widely in perceptibility. Examples Any power converter should have efficiency above 95%. The speed control unit for the dc motor should not create excessive harmonic distortion on the power line. The SMPS output should have an output regulation of 0.5%. The speed of the dc motor should be controlled over a speed range of 1 to 300 RPM with an accuracy of 0.05%.

December 2011

NJ Rao IIIT, Bangalore

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Practical Constraints
an array of less sharply defined considerations derived from experience in practice, considerations that frequently do not lend themselves to theorizing, tabulation, or programming into a computer. Examples The legend should be written above the switch on the front panel The indicator lamp should be above the switch The clearances that must be allowed between physical parts in equipment for tools and hands to reach different parts The design should be completed within two months

December 2011

NJ Rao IIIT, Bangalore

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Design Instrumentalities
Procedural knowledge including the procedures, way of thinking, and judgmental skills by which it is done. Examples 1. Top-down approach to the design of a product 2. Phasing of development of a product 3. Structuring of an electronic product 4. Design walkthroughs. 5. Identify all members of the team early on and include every member in the group communications from the outset.

December 2011

NJ Rao IIIT, Bangalore

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Meta cognitive knowledge

is knowledge about cognition in general as well as awareness of and knowledge about ones own cognition. Categories of Metacognitive knowledge Strategic knowledge Knowledge about cognitive tasks Self-knowledge

December 2011

NJ Rao IIIT, Bangalore

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NJ Rao IIIT, Bangalore

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