Which of the following is the lowest level of the affective domain?

The lowest level of the affective domain is receiving. This level involves the awareness and willingness to hear or attend to particular information or stimuli. It is the foundation upon which more complex attitudes and value systems can be built.

In the context of educational objectives, receiving focuses on the initial stages of the learning process where the individual is open to the experience, demonstrating curiosity and a basic acknowledgment of that experience. For example, a student at this level might simply listen to a lecture or watch a demonstration without necessarily processing or valuing the information being presented.

As one progresses to higher levels of the affective domain, such as valuing, organization, and characterization, they begin to actively engage with the information, form opinions, and integrate values into their own belief systems. Each step upward represents a greater degree of internal commitment and personal significance. Receiving is critical because it sets the stage for deeper engagement and transformation in attitudes and values.