Environment and memory

What is Cognitive Load Theory?

Cognitive Load Theory states that working memory has limited capacity, and learning becomes difficult when too much information overloads it.

What is intrinsic load?

The level of difficulty inherent in a task, such as solving a calculus problem or analysing a play.

What is extraneous load?

The mental effort caused by distractions or poor presentation of information that are unrelated to the task itself.

What is germane load?

The mental effort used to process information and create meaningful learning that can be stored in long-term memory.

What factors increase cognitive load?

Complexity, difficulty, pressure, and distractions.

How can technology increase cognitive load?

By presenting too much information at once, causing distractions through notifications and multitasking, using poor design with excessive animations or sounds, and encouraging students to find answers without understanding them.

Why is high cognitive load a problem?

Too much cognitive load makes it harder to transfer information from short-term memory (STM) to long-term memory (LTM).

What did Miller suggest about working memory capacity?

Miller proposed the Magic Number 7 (plus or minus 2), meaning people can typically hold 5–9 items in working memory.

What did Cowan suggest about working memory capacity?

Cowan argued that working memory capacity may be as low as 4 items