Affective Domain Taxonomy

This taxonomy lists levels of commitment (indicating affect) from lowest to highest.

Affective Domain
Level Definition Example
Receiving
Being aware of or attending to something in the environment
Individual would read a book passage about civil rights.
Responding Showing some new behaviors as a result of experience
Individual would answer questions about the book, read another book by the same author, another book about civil rights, etc.
Valuing Showing some definite involvement or commitment The individual might demonstrate this by voluntarily attending a lecture on civil rights.
Organization Integrating a new value into one's general set of values, giving it some ranking among one's general priorities The individual might arrange a civil rights rally.
Characterization by Value


Acting consistently with the new value

The individual is firmly committed to the value, perhaps becoming a civil rights leader.

Adapted from: Krathwohl, D., Bloom, B., & Masia, B. (1956). Taxonomy of educational objectives. Handbook II: Affective domain. New York: David McKay.


BEHAVIORAL VERBS APPROPRIATE FOR THE AFFECTIVE DOMAIN

Receiving

  • accept
  • attend
  • develop
  • recognize

Responding

  • complete
  • comply
  • cooperate
  • discuss
  • examine
  • obey
  • respond

Valuing

  • accept
  • defend
  • devote
  • pursue
  • seek

Organization

  • codify
  • discriminate
  • display
  • order
  • organize
  • systematize
  • weigh

Characterization

  • internalize
  • verify

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