In the cognitive/psychomotor domain, which verbs indicate the learner will be able to do something?

• A. demonstrate or perform
• B. understand or know
• C. analyze or evaluate
• D. plan or design

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is that doing something observable shows the learner can perform a task. Demonstrate or perform signals that the student can execute a skill in a real or simulated setting, which is what it means to be able to do it. The other verbs focus on thinking or planning rather than actual action: understand or know is about mental grasp, analyze or evaluate is about breaking down and judging information, and plan or design is about creating a plan before acting. So, demonstrating or performing best indicates the learner’s ability to carry out the task.