Merrill's Component Display Theory

Merrill’s Component Display Theory (CDT) may not be as famous as ARCS or Gagne but nevertheless interesting. This theory discusses ideas and methods that can be used for instruction. It gives a Performance/Content dimension to instruction by linking the desired level of student performance with the type of content.


According to CDT, content can be divided into four types namely: Facts, Concepts, Procedures and Principles.


Performance is how the student applies his learning. The level of student performance is divided into three categories namely: Remembering, Using and Finding. By linking both you get the following matrix.



Facts Concepts Procedures Principles

Remembering



Using



Finding








This matrix is setup to determine the level of performance needed for an area of content. As an instructor, you can determine the goals for the learner using the above matrix. You want them to remember the facts or apply the principles, you decide. Interesting isn’t it?