| Expert Demonstrates a deep understanding of situation based on years of experience. Intuitive grasp of the situation. Zeros in on the accurate region of the problem without waste. |
Able
to find information quickly based on a deep understanding of the situation
and resources available. 
Intuitively
understands the causes and behavior of complex systems at a holistic level.
Able to set up experiments to understand behavior.
Based
on expensive experience intuitively assess documents in relationship to other
information and extensive related personal experience. 
| Proficient Perceive situations as wholes and begins to make decisions rather than merely following rules. Understands nuances of a situation |
Able
to search efficiently and effectively for information based on available and the situation sensing what is
important
Proficient
at understanding the causes and
behavior of complex systems. Able to set up experiments to understand
behavior and to provide directions as to what is important.
Accurately
assess documents in relationship to other information and extensive related personal experience. 
| Competent More experience acquired. Begin to see actions in long-term plans. Senses what is missing. Equivalent to two to three years on the job. Lack of speed and flexibility. |
Able
to choose sources appropriate to the situation and search effectively,
however lacks speed and flexibility. Uses rules rather than a deep knowledge
to guide searches
Able
to hone in on information to accurately understand the causes and behavior of
complex systems. With guidance, is able
to set up experiments to understand behavior and to provide directions
as to what is important.
Able
to use some personal experience to
assess documents in relationship to other information. Lack speed and
ability. 
| Advanced
Beginner Performance improves to a marginally acceptable level. Treats all attributes as equally important. Perceives similarity with prior examples. Needs support and help in setting priorities. |
With
direction and guidance, can find information in Libraries and Web. With
direction and guidance. Needs help and support to determine which sources and
information are most viable. 
Marginal
ability, with direction and guidance,
to accurately understand the causes and behavior of complex systems
provided Unable to set up experiments to understand behavior without
guidance. 
Marginal
ability to assess documents in relationship to other information based
on limited personal experience. Needs
guidance for evaluation rather than a personal understanding.
| Novice No experience, tends to go with what is taught. No discretional judgment, does not know exceptions to rules. |
Has
minimal understanding of where and how to search for information. Lack of
personal experience. 
Has
minimal ability to understand the behavior of complex systems following rule
based systems that have been taught. Ability to understand is limited to
similarity to known situations. 
Very
limited ability to accurately assess documents in relationship to other
information without the benefit of related personal experience.