The Evolution of Cognitive Load Theory and the Measurement of Its Intrinsic, Extraneous and Germane Loads: A Review

Giuliano Orru, Luca Longo

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Cognitive Load Theory has been conceived for supporting instructional design through the use of the construct of cognitive load. This is believed to be built upon three types of load: intrinsic, extraneous and germane. Although Cognitive Load Theory and its assumptions are clear and well-known, its three types of load have been going through a continuous investigation and re-definition. Additionally, it is still not clear whether these are independent and can be added to each other towards an overall measure of load. The purpose of this research is to inform the reader about the theoretical evolution of Cognitive Load Theory as well as the measurement techniques and measures emerged for its cognitive load types. It also synthesises the main critiques of scholars and the scientific value of the theory from a rationalist and structuralist perspective.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationHuman Mental Workload
Subtitle of host publicationModels and Applications - 2nd International Symposium, H-WORKLOAD 2018, Revised Selected Papers
EditorsLuca Longo, M. Chiara Leva
PublisherSpringer Verlag
Pages23-48
Number of pages26
ISBN (Print)9783030142728
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019
Event2nd International Symposium on Mental Workload, Models and Applications, H-WORKLOAD 2018 - Amsterdam, Netherlands
Duration: 20 Sep 201821 Sep 2018

Publication series

NameCommunications in Computer and Information Science
Volume1012
ISSN (Print)1865-0929

Conference

Conference2nd International Symposium on Mental Workload, Models and Applications, H-WORKLOAD 2018
Country/TerritoryNetherlands
CityAmsterdam
Period20/09/1821/09/18

Keywords

  • Cognitive load theory, cognitive load types
  • Efficiency
  • Instructional design
  • Intrinsic load, extraneous load, germane load
  • Measures

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