Procedural vs Declarative Knowledge

Introduction

What is Procedural Knowledge?

• Also Known as substantive knowledge

• Describes how to perform an activity i.e. sequences of steps

• Processes, events, activities, actions, manuals

What is Declarative Knowledge?

• Also Known as Conceptual Knowledge .

• Facts.

• Focuses on beliefs about relationships among variables.

• Concepts, categories, definitions, assumptions.

The diagram below is a high level illustration of Procedural and declarative knowledge from Nickols (2012):

Characteristics

Procedural Knowledge

1. Classified as "Know How"

2. Generally associated with operational job roles

Declarative Knowledge

1. Classified as "Know What"

2. Generally associated with managerial job roles

Examples

Procedural Knowledge

1. How to Guides/ Routines:

   • How to tie your shoe lace

   • How to assemble a car. Which steps can be performed in parallel, time per step etc.

   • How to perform a research dissertation

   • How I got to understand a customer's need

Declarative Knowledge

1. Mathematics equations: 1+3= 2+2

2. Chemistry formulas/equations: 2 H₂ + O₂ → 2 H₂O

3. Increased horsepower of petrol engine car will lead to increase fuel consumption.

4. Help functions/ FAQ.

5. Dictionary.

6. A list of Customer needs.