The Psychomotor Domain

The psychomotor domain has received much less emphasis than either the cognitive or affective domains. Also, fewer persons have worked on delineating it. Anita J. Harrow has, however, developed a psychomotor taxonomy with several categories:

1. Reflex movements. Objectives at this level include (1) segmental reflexes (involving one spinal segment) and (2) intersegmental reflexes (involving more than one spinal segment). Example: After engaging in this activity, the student will be able to contact a muscle

2. Fundamental movements. Objectives in this category address behaviors related to (1) walking, (2) running, (3) jumping, (4) pushing, (5) pulling, and (6) manipulating. Example: The student will be able to jump over a 2-foot hurdle.

3. Perceptual abilities. Objectives in this division address (1) kinesthetic, (2) visual, (3) auditory, (4) tactile, and (5) coordination abilities. Example: The student will categorize by shape a group of building blocks.

4. Physical abilities. Objectives included at this level are related to (1) endurance, (2) strength, (3) flexibility, (4) agility, (5) reaction-response time, and (6) dexterity. Example: The student will do at least five pushups more at the end of the year.

5. Skilled Movements. Objectives at this level of the domain are concerned with (1) games, (2) sports, (3) dances, and (4) the arts.

Example: The student can correctly perform a series of somersaults.

6. Nondiscursive Communication. Objectives at this final level of the taxonomy relate to expressive movement through (1) posture, (2) estures, (3) facial expressions, and (4) creative movements.

Example: The student will be able to create his or her own movement sequence and perform it to music