A Causal Model Analysis of Bloom’s Taxonomy 1

The causal model approach used in this study tested the cumulative hierarchical structure of the six major taxonomic levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy by measuring the strengths of the linear relationships (“links”) between levels. The assumed hierarchy should have direct links between adjacent levels and should have no indirect links between nonadjacent levels. The magnitude of these direct and indirect links was measured by constructing a causal model using multiple regression procedures. A parallel causal model method of analysis was used for determining the effect of introducing a “g” factor of general ability into the causal flow of the taxonomic structure. The results of the study suggest that both the direct and indirect causal links of the cumulative hierarchical taxonomic structure are extremely dependent on a “g” factor.