procedurkunskap

Procedurkunskap, or procedural knowledge, is knowledge of how to perform tasks and follow procedures. It contrasts with declarative knowledge, or knowledge of facts, such as knowing that a recipe requires certain steps. Procedural knowledge is often procedural and tacit, learned through practice rather than description.

In epistemology, the distinction between know-how and know-that is well established. Examples include riding a bicycle, tying a knot, or playing a musical instrument. Such knowledge can be difficult to articulate, yet it enables successful performance under varying conditions. It may be encoded as dispositions or skills rather than explicit rules.

In education and professional training, procedural knowledge underpins skill development, compliance with procedures, and the execution of routines. It develops through practice, feedback, and repetition, and is frequently complemented by declarative knowledge that explains why steps are performed.

In computing and information systems, procedural knowledge is represented by procedures, scripts, or algorithms that specify how tasks are carried out. It contrasts with declarative knowledge, which states facts or goals. Many systems emphasize separating the "how" from the "what" to enable reuse and automation.

In cognitive psychology, procedural memory supports the automation of skilled actions, contributing to ease and speed of performance. The term is closely related to concepts such as procedural fluency in education and know-how in everyday speech.

See also: know-how, procedural memory, standard operating procedures.