Measurement of Cognitive Load During Multimedia Learning Activities

Abstract

This chapter focuses on issues dealing with the definition and measurement of cognitive load in multimedia and other complex learning activities. The chapter is broken into 3 main sections: defining multimedia learning and describing its effects on cognitive load; describing theoretical definitions of cognitive load; and mapping definitions of cognitive load onto commonly used measurement techniques. The chapter concludes with a discussion of how research on multimedia learning and cognitive load could be advanced by carefully considering issues of construct validity, and by including the use of convergent measurement techniques.