The Descriptive Component Display Theory*

The Descriptive Component Display Theory describes explicitly the components of the instructional process; it dissects, identifies and summarizes learner performances; it likewise, dissects and synthesizes the subject matter content and matches content classification with learner performances. Possible presentation forms are also classified as are the modes with which these presentations can be delivered. The explicitness and scientific formality that are used are without comparison among the descriptive theories of learning and instruction. It is this exactness or precision that makes CDT especially suitable for the design of Computer-Based Training. This chapter describes what learning and instruction is about in a micro level. It describes an instructional taxonomic paradigm with a track record in technical and computer-based instructional applications as well as in less formal settings. (DGT) The Performance-Content Matrix CDT holds that instructional outcomes, represented either by objectives or test items, can be classified on two dimensions: student performance (Remember-Instance, Remember-Generality, Use, and Find) and subject matter content (Fact, Concept, Procedure, and Principle). A generality (rule) is a statement of a definition, principle, or the steps in a procedure. An instance (example) is a specific illustration of an object, symbol, event, process, or procedure. Use means to apply a generality to a specific case(s). Find means to find a new generality. A fact is an association between a date and event, or a name and part. A concept is a set of objects, events, or symbols with shared common characteristics. A procedure is a set of steps for carrying out some activity. A principle is the cause-and-effect relationships in a process. CDT is appropriate only for * This presentation of Codponent Display Theory is a compilation and abridgement of four original sources: Merrill, 1983; Merrill, 1987; Merrill, 1988; Twitchell, Anderton, & Parry, 1990, and some new material added for this presentation.