Comprehension vs Understanding: What’s the difference and why does it matter?
Have you ever spent hours studying a concept only to realize that you still don’t understand it? Or maybe you’ve been able to comprehend something quickly but struggled to explain it to someone else? If so, you’re not alone in this experience.
Many people use the terms ‘comprehension’ and ‘understanding’ interchangeably when discussing their knowledge of a particular topic. However, there is a significant difference between these two concepts that we need to delve into.
What is Comprehension?
Comprehension is a superficial understanding of a concept or idea. It is the ability to read, listen or observe something and obtain a basic understanding of what is being said. For instance, if you are reading a paragraph about the solar system and can understand all the words and sentences, but still fail to grasp the concept of planetary orbits, then you have comprehended the material, but not fully understood it.
Comprehension involves knowing the basic facts and details of a subject, but it does not necessarily include any deep or meaningful connection to the subject. It is often focused on short-term memory and can fade away quickly if not reinforced.
What is Understanding?
Understanding, on the other hand, is the ability to apply comprehension to generate meaningful connections to a specific concept. In other words, it’s the ability to see how ideas fit together, identify patterns, and explain concepts to others. When you understand something, you can use that knowledge to solve problems or make an informed decision.
Unlike comprehension, which is based on short-term memory, understanding is grounded in long-term memory. It implies a level of insight and expertise in a particular subject that is not easily forgotten.
Why Does It Matter?
The difference between comprehension and understanding is critical, especially in the context of learning and education. Being able to comprehend something is necessary, but it is not sufficient. Without developing a deep understanding, individuals may struggle with applying what they have learned to new situations.
Understanding has crucial implications for problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making. When you have a comprehensive understanding of a subject, you can make informed decisions or take practical action in a particular field.
Examples of Comprehension vs Understanding
Consider an example where a student receives a set of instructions on assembling a gadget. The student can read and comprehend the instructions and collect all the necessary materials, but they are still unable to assemble the gadget due to a lack of understanding. In this case, the student has comprehended the instructions, but not understood how to assemble the gadget.
Another example of differentiating between comprehension and understanding is an elementary school science class. When a student can define a term such as photosynthesis, they show that they have comprehended the term. But if they can explain how photosynthesis works, they demonstrate an understanding of the concept.
Conclusion
Comprehension and understanding are two different concepts, but they also complement each other. To acquire a thorough knowledge of a particular subject, one should focus on developing both comprehension and understanding. This approach provides long-term memory and enables one to apply their knowledge to real-world problems. Understanding provides deeper insights into a particular subject, and it has numerous practical implications that enhance decision-making and critical thinking. Therefore, it is essential to distinguish between comprehension and understanding and develop both to achieve a better grasp of any given topic.
