An investigation of knowledge representation by using the solo taxonomy

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to present an investigation of knowledge organization in written texts by using the SOLO taxonomy. Previous composition research focused on skill development and the representation of various linguistic means. We review the theoretical roots of the SOLO taxonomy, and discuss a few empirical studies. The main research question is how knowledge is represented in written texts. We analyzed 495 students' texts, then used the levels of the SOLO taxonomy to identify the organizational level of knowledge. The analysis revealed the following categories (SOLO levels): (1)uni structure (state, define), (2)multi structure (connect informations, list), (3)relational (more information in relational context), (4)extended abstract (content embedded in wider context). By using the SOLO taxonomy, we found evidence for the structural levels of knowledge in written texts. This is important in the assessment of written texts, a central issue in educational practice.Our empirical research is the first to attempt to explore knowledge representation of hungarian written compositionsin educational context.