Procedural knowledge

Introduction

Procedural knowledge, also known as knowing-how, is a type of knowledge that is concerned with the understanding of a process, procedure, or technique. It is different from declarative knowledge, which is knowledge about facts or concepts. Procedural knowledge involves the ability to execute, implement, or perform tasks and activities. This type of knowledge is often unconscious and automatic, as it is typically learned through practice and repetition.

A person performing a task, demonstrating procedural knowledge.

Understanding Procedural Knowledge

Procedural knowledge is a critical component of learning and cognitive development. It is the type of knowledge that allows individuals to perform tasks without conscious thought, often referred to as "second nature". This knowledge is typically acquired through practice and repetition, which leads to the development of automaticity. Automaticity refers to the ability to perform tasks without conscious effort, allowing for more cognitive resources to be allocated to other tasks.

Procedural knowledge is often contrasted with declarative knowledge, which is knowledge about facts or concepts. While declarative knowledge can be easily communicated and shared, procedural knowledge is often more difficult to articulate and transfer. This is because procedural knowledge is often tied to specific contexts and experiences, making it more tacit and personal.

Acquisition of Procedural Knowledge

The acquisition of procedural knowledge involves a process of learning and practice. This process often begins with the acquisition of declarative knowledge, where individuals learn about the steps or procedures involved in a task. This is often followed by a phase of practice, where individuals repeatedly perform the task until it becomes automatic.

The acquisition of procedural knowledge is often facilitated by cognitive load theory, which suggests that learning is more effective when cognitive resources are efficiently used. By practicing a task, individuals can reduce the cognitive load associated with the task, allowing for more resources to be allocated to other tasks. This process of practice and repetition leads to the development of automaticity, which is a key characteristic of procedural knowledge.

Applications of Procedural Knowledge

Procedural knowledge has a wide range of applications in various fields. In education, procedural knowledge is often the focus of skill-based learning, where students learn how to perform specific tasks or activities. This type of knowledge is also critical in fields such as medicine, where professionals need to master a wide range of procedures and techniques.

In the field of artificial intelligence, procedural knowledge is often used to program machines and algorithms to perform specific tasks. This involves encoding the steps or procedures involved in a task into a format that can be executed by a machine.

Procedural Knowledge in Cognitive Psychology

In cognitive psychology, procedural knowledge is often associated with the study of memory and learning. Procedural memory, a subtype of long-term memory, is responsible for storing information about how to do things. This type of memory is often used in learning new skills and is thought to be stored and processed differently than declarative memory.

Procedural knowledge is also closely related to the concept of expertise. Experts in a particular field often possess a high level of procedural knowledge, which allows them to perform tasks quickly and efficiently. This expertise is often the result of extensive practice and experience.

Conclusion

Procedural knowledge is a critical component of learning and cognitive development. It is the type of knowledge that allows individuals to perform tasks without conscious thought, often referred to as "second nature". The acquisition of procedural knowledge involves a process of learning and practice, often facilitated by cognitive load theory. Procedural knowledge has a wide range of applications, from education to artificial intelligence, and is a key area of study in cognitive psychology.