Which action demonstrates the Cognitive Domain?

• A. Giving a brochure explaining brushing techniques for the patient to review
• B. Demonstrating brushing technique
• C. Discussing patient’s feelings toward oral health
• D. Assessing frequency of brushing

Answer: (A)

The cognitive domain covers knowledge and mental skills—reading, understanding, recalling, and applying information. Providing a brochure for the patient to review centers on this processing: the patient reads the material, grasps the brushing techniques described, and can recall or apply that information later. It challenges thinking about how to brush correctly based on the information presented, which is the essence of learning facts and concepts.

In contrast, demonstrating brushing technique focuses on the physical execution of a skill, which belongs to the psychomotor domain. Discussing a patient’s feelings targets the affective domain, dealing with attitudes and emotions. Assessing how often the patient brushes is more about data collection and behavior evaluation than learning new knowledge, so it doesn’t primarily engage the cognitive processes of understanding and applying information.