Cited by 188Visual and Cognitive Learning ProcessesInnovative Teaching and Learning MethodsLearning Styles and Cognitive Differences

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Cognitive Load and Working Memory in Multimedia Learning: Conceptual and Measurement Issues

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Anmarkrud, Øistein, Andresen, Anette, Bråten, Ivar·2019·Educational Psychologist

DOI 10.1080/00461520.2018.1554484

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Abstract

This article reviews contemporary research on multimedia learning that uses cognitive load theory as the major theoretical framework. In particular, we address the extent to which working memory has been conceptualized and measured in this research, what kind of subjective measures of cognitive load have been used and whether such measures are combined with other measures of cognitive load, and how results from subjective measures have been related to learning and achievement. The findings show that most of the reviewed studies did not include any clear conceptualization or measurement of working memory, used only general subjective measures containing one or very few items, and did not report findings consistent with the hypothesized relationship between cognitive load and multimedia learning. The findings are discussed in relation to the broader goal of improving research on cognitive load in the context of multimedia learning.

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Sorted by citations

The impact of augmented reality on cognitive load and performance: A systematic review
Buchner, J., Buntins, K., & Kerres, M. (2021) · Journal of Computer Assisted Learning · doi:10.1111/jcal.12617 · Cited by 496
“From the CLT perspective, it would be necessary to include other factors in the study design, such as measurements of working memory capacity (Anmarkrud et al., 2019).”
Background
Cognitive load in multimedia learning environments: A systematic review
Bayraktar, D. M., Çoşğun, V., & Altan, T. (2019) · Computers & Education · doi:10.1016/j.compedu.2019.103618 · Cited by 364
Multimedia learning principles in different learning environments: a systematic review
Çeken, B., & Taşkın, N. (2022) · Smart Learning Environments · doi:10.1186/s40561-022-00200-2 · Cited by 348
“For example, the recent systematic reviews focused mainly on the working memory (Anmarkrud et al., 2019), cognitive load (Mutlu-Bayraktar et al., 2019), eye tracking (Alemdag & Cagiltay, 2018), and trends and issues (Li et al., 2019).”
Measuring Visual Fatigue and Cognitive Load via Eye Tracking while Learning with Virtual Reality Head-Mounted Displays: A Review
Souchet, A. D., Philippe, S., Lourdeaux, D., & Leroy, L. (2021) · International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction · doi:10.1080/10447318.2021.1976509 · Cited by 225
“Eye tracking allows collecting several features that are similarly used to investigate both visual fatigue (Park & Mun, 2015) and cognitive load (Anmarkrud et al., 2019).”
Method
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Krieglstein, F., Beege, M., Rey, G. D., Ginns, P., Krell, M., & Schneider, S. (2022) · Educational Psychology Review · doi:10.1007/s10648-022-09683-4 · Cited by 167
“For this purpose, CLT proposes design principles for instructional materials and procedures that aim at reducing unnecessary load on working memory and freeing up capacity for learning-related processing (Anmarkrud et al., 2019).”

See all 188

Authors: Anmarkrud, Ø., Andresen, A., & Bråten, I.
Affiliations: University of Oslo (NO)
Corresponding author: Bråten, Ivar
ORCID: Anmarkrud, Øistein
Andresen, Anette
Bråten, Ivar
Venue: Educational Psychologist
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Published: 2019-02-11
Volume: 54
Issue: 2
Pages: 61-83
ISSN: 0046-1520 (ISSN-L)
1532-6985
DOI: 10.1080/00461520.2018.1554484
OpenAlex: W2912199704
Cited by: 188
References: 0
Citations by year: 2026: 27 · 2025: 27 · 2024: 36 · 2023: 31 · 2022: 26 · 2021: 19 · 2020: 17 · 2019: 5
FWCI: 19.74
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: green
hdl.handle.net
Licence: other-oa
Locations: Educational Psychologist (publishedVersion)
NORA - Norwegian Open Research Archives (submittedVersion, other-oa)
Topics: Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Visual and Cognitive Learning Processes
Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Innovative Teaching and Learning Methods
Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Learning Styles and Cognitive Differences
Keywords: cognitive load, working memory, multimedia learning, academic performance, cognitive load theory

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Cognitive Load and Working Memory in Multimedia Learning: Conceptual and Measurement Issues

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