The DOI matches its Crossref record; 32 of the 32 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.
THE SPLIT‐ATTENTION EFFECT AS A FACTOR IN THE DESIGN OF INSTRUCTION
Abstract
S ummary . Cognitive load theory suggests that many conventional instructional formats are ineffective as they involve extraneous cognitive activities, which interfere with learning. The split‐attention effect provides one example of the consequences of inappropriate cognitive activities caused by poor instructional design. Learners are often forced to split their attention between and mentally integrate disparate sources of information (e.g., text and diagrams) before the instructional material can be rendered intelligible. This preliminary process of mental integration, while an essential precursor to learning, is likely to impose a heavy extraneous cognitive load. Physical integration (e.g., combining text and diagrams) may reduce cognitive load and so facilitate learning. This study reports findings from two experiments investigating the split‐attention effect. Using an engineering programming language (Numerical Control programming), the first experiment investigated the possible advantage of physically integrating text and diagrams. In a normal training environment, the integrated instructions group outperformed the conventional group. Experiment 2 was designed to see if the split‐attention effect would generalise to an area where mutually referring segments of text are conventionally separated, namely, empirical reports in psychology and education. In a laboratory study, Experiment 2 showed that students in an integrated group spent less time processing instructions ye…
Overview
Integrity signals
Registry
Cites
Statistics
Verification
Claims the paper makes
Claims other papers make about this one
Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?
In the citing paper
“CLT emphasizes the need to integrate support for novice learners with the task environment fully; otherwise, split-attention effects increase extraneous cognitive load because learners have to integrate information mentally from the task environment with the given support (Chandler & Sweller, 1992;Sweller & Chandler, 1994).”
From Taking the Load Off a Learner's Mind: Instructional Design for Complex Learning (2003) · cites this paper as Chandler & Sweller, 1992
Citations
Cites
The magical number seven, plus or minus two: Some limits on our capacity for processing information.
Miller, G. A. (1994) · Psychological Review · doi:10.1037/0033-295x.101.2.343 · Cited by 17,559
Cognitive Load During Problem Solving: Effects on Learning
Sweller, J. (1988) · Cognitive Science · doi:10.1016/0364-0213(88)90023-7 · Cited by 11,048
Self-citationEgeth, H. E., & Kahneman, D. J. (1975) · The American Journal of Psychology · doi:10.2307/1421603 · Cited by 6,976
Anderson, J. R. (2013) · doi:10.4324/9781315799438 · Cited by 6,761
Newell, A. (1972) · Cited by 6,222
Why a Diagram is (Sometimes) Worth Ten Thousand Words
Larkin, J. H., & Simon, H. A. (1987) · Cognitive Science · doi:10.1111/j.1551-6708.1987.tb00863.x · Cited by 3,855
Schema induction and analogical transfer
Gick, M. L., & Holyoak, K. J. (1983) · Cognitive Psychology · doi:10.1016/0010-0285(83)90002-6 · Cited by 3,010
Cognitive Load Theory and the Format of Instruction
Chandler, P., & Sweller, J. (1991) · Cognition and Instruction · doi:10.1207/s1532690xci0804_2 · Cited by 2,894
Self-citationThe Use of Worked Examples as a Substitute for Problem Solving in Learning Algebra
Sweller, J., & Cooper, G. A. (1985) · Cognition and Instruction · doi:10.1207/s1532690xci0201_3 · Cited by 1,214
Self-citationWhen is an illustration worth ten thousand words?
Mayer, R. E., & Gallini, J. K. (1990) · Journal of Educational Psychology · doi:10.1037/0022-0663.82.4.715 · Cited by 1,051
Cited by
Sorted by citations
Items 301–400 of 780
Scaffolding support through integration of learning material
Grévisse, C., Rothkugel, S., & Reuter, R. A. P. (2019) · Smart Learning Environments · doi:10.1186/s40561-019-0107-0 · Cited by 17
Solano‐Flores, G. (2021) · Frontiers in Education · doi:10.3389/feduc.2021.637993 · Cited by 17
Transparency in film: increasing credibility of scientific animation using citation
Jantzen, S. G., Jenkinson, J., & McGill, G. G. (2015) · Nature Methods · doi:10.1038/nmeth.3334 · Cited by 17
Using Serious Game Analytics to Inform Digital Curricular Sequencing
Liu, Z., Cody, C., Kessler, S. M., Barnes, T. M., Lynch, C. F., & Rutherford, T. A. (2017) · Annual Symposium on Computer-Human Interaction in Play · doi:10.1145/3116595.3116620 · Cited by 17
Malmi, L., Utting, I., & Ko, A. J. (2019) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108654555.022 · Cited by 18
Computing for Other Disciplines
Guzdial, M. (2019) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108654555.020 · Cited by 20
Does multimedia help students answer test items?
Hao, Y. (2010) · Computers in Human Behavior · doi:10.1016/j.chb.2010.03.021 · Cited by 17
Basu, S., Biswas, G., & Kinnebrew, J. S. (2016) · Proceedings of the AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence · doi:10.1609/aaai.v30i1.9888 · Cited by 17
Cognitive Load and Assembly Tasks: effect of instructional formats on learning assembly procedures
Pillay, H. K. (1997) · Educational Psychology · doi:10.1080/0144341970170304 · Cited by 18
The use of modality in the design of verbal aids in computer-based learning environments
Sánchez, E. F., & García-Rodicio, H. (2008) · Interacting with Computers · doi:10.1016/j.intcom.2008.08.001 · Cited by 17
Gerlič, I., & Jaušovec, N. (2001) · Journal of Educational Computing Research · doi:10.2190/ydwy-u3fj-4ly4-lynd · Cited by 17
Hou, F., & Jiang, X. (2022) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.783613 · Cited by 16
Merk, S., Ophoff, J. G., & Kelava, A. (2022) · Learning and Instruction · doi:10.1016/j.learninstruc.2022.101717 · Cited by 20
Haavisto, M., Jaakkola, T., & Lepola, J. (2023) · Computers & Education · doi:10.1016/j.compedu.2023.104775 · Cited by 21
The connection between stress, density, and speed in crowds
Beermann, M., & Sieben, A. (2023) · Scientific Reports · doi:10.1038/s41598-023-39006-8 · Cited by 17
Empowering Children To Rapidly Author Games and Animations Without Writing Code
Banerjee, R. K., Yip, J. C., Lee, K. J., & Popović, Z. (2016) · ACM International Conference on Interaction Design and Children (IDC) · doi:10.1145/2930674.2930688 · Cited by 16
Creating Suitable Tools for Art and Architectural Research with Historic Media Repositories
Friedrichs, K., Münster, S., Kröber, C., & Bruschke, J. (2018) · Communications in computer and information science · doi:10.1007/978-3-319-76992-9_8 · Cited by 16
Learning Outside the Classroom
Begel, A., & Ko, A. J. (2019) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108654555.027 · Cited by 18
The Long-Term Benefit of Video Modeling Examples for Guided Inquiry
Kaiser, I., & Mayer, J. (2019) · Frontiers in Education · doi:10.3389/feduc.2019.00104 · Cited by 18
Ahmed, A., Hurwitz, D., Gestson, S. L., & Brown, S. (2021) · Journal of Civil Engineering Education · doi:10.1061/(asce)ei.2643-9115.0000044 · Cited by 16
PC-Based Game Features That Influence Instruction and Learner Motivation
Belanich, J., Orvis, K. L., & Sibley, D. E. (2013) · Military Psychology · doi:10.1037/h0094963 · Cited by 17
Clinton‐Lisell, V., Morsanyi, K., Alibali, M. W., & Nathan, M. J. (2016) · Applied Cognitive Psychology · doi:10.1002/acp.3223 · Cited by 16
The modality effect in a mobile learning environment: Learning from spoken text and real objects
Liu, T., Lin, Y., Gao, Y., & PAAS, F. G. W. C. (2018) · British Journal of Educational Technology · doi:10.1111/bjet.12605 · Cited by 17
Considering Cognitive Load Theory Within E-Learning Environments
Alasraj, A., Freeman, M. B., & Chandler, P. (2011) · Research Online (University of Wollongong) · Cited by 16
Self-citationRealistic details impact learners independently of split-attention effects
Skulmowski, A. (2023) · Cognitive Processing · doi:10.1007/s10339-022-01123-z · Cited by 15
Dow, G. T. (2015) · Creativity Research Journal · doi:10.1080/10400419.2015.992679 · Cited by 15
Williams, K. R., Wasson, S., Barrett, A. A., Greenall, R. F., Jones, S. R., & Bailey, E. G. (2021) · CBE—Life Sciences Education · doi:10.1187/cbe.20-09-0219 · Cited by 15
Effects of strategy instructions on learning from text and pictures
Leopold, C., Doerner, M., Leutner, D., & Dutke, S. (2014) · Instructional Science · doi:10.1007/s11251-014-9336-3 · Cited by 15
Integrating Visual and Verbal Knowledge During Classroom Learning with Computer Tutors
Butcher, K. R., & Aleven, V. A. W. M. M. (2007) · eScholarship (California Digital Library) · Cited by 15
Kalyuga, S., Chandler, P., & Sweller, J. (1997) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-7091-2670-7_27 · Cited by 15
Self-citationThe effects of explicit referencing in distance problem solving over shared maps
Cherubini, M., & Dillenbourg, P. (2007) · International ACM SIGGROUP Conference on Supporting Group Work (GROUP) · doi:10.1145/1316624.1316674 · Cited by 15
Pedagogical agents in learning videos: Which one is best for children?
Jing, B., Liu, J., Gong, X., Zhang, Y., Wang, H., & Wu, C. (2022) · Interactive Learning Environments · doi:10.1080/10494820.2022.2141787 · Cited by 14
Max, A., Weitzel, H., & Lukas, S. (2023) · Frontiers in Education · doi:10.3389/feduc.2023.1166018 · Cited by 15
Barr, N. B., & Johnson, J. E. (2021) · IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication · doi:10.1109/tpc.2021.3057149 · Cited by 15
Cognitive Load Assessment Scales in Simulation
Greer, S. K., Jeffe, D. B., Manga, A., Murray, D. J., & Emke, A. R. (2022) · Simulation in Healthcare The Journal of the Society for Simulation in Healthcare · doi:10.1097/sih.0000000000000665 · Cited by 18
Seal, K. C., Przasnyski, Z. H., & Leon, L. A. (2010) · Decision Sciences Journal of Innovative Education · doi:10.1111/j.1540-4609.2009.00244.x · Cited by 14
Engineering Education Research
Loui, M. C., & Borrego, M. J. (2019) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108654555.012 · Cited by 17
Design and Evaluation of Integrated Instructions in Secondary-Level Chemistry Practical Work
Paterson, D. J. (2019) · Journal of Chemical Education · doi:10.1021/acs.jchemed.9b00194 · Cited by 14
Zhang, S. (2021) · Chinese as a Second Language Research · doi:10.1515/caslar-2021-2003 · Cited by 13
The influence of context on information processing
Krivec, J., & Guid, M. (2020) · Cognitive Processing · doi:10.1007/s10339-020-00958-8 · Cited by 13
Investigating game attention using the Distraction Recognition Paradigm
Cutting, J., & Cairns, P. A. (2020) · Behaviour and Information Technology · doi:10.1080/0144929x.2020.1849402 · Cited by 14
Torgersen, G.-E., & Boe, O. C. (2021) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.545335 · Cited by 19
Leveraging the Integrated Development Environment for Learning Analytics
Carter, A., Hundhausen, C. D., & Olivares, D. M. (2019) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108654555.024 · Cited by 13
Sarfo, F. K., & Elen, J. (2017) · Electronic Journal of Research in Educational Psychology · doi:10.25115/ejrep.v9i23.1428 · Cited by 13
Zhu, Y. H., Fung, A. S. L., & Wang, H. (2012) · CALICO Journal · doi:10.11139/cj.29.3.563-577 · Cited by 13
Timing of information presentation and the acquisition of complex skills
Kester, L. (2003) · DSpace (Open University in the Netherlands) · Cited by 13
Skulmowski, A. (2024) · Cognitive Processing · doi:10.1007/s10339-024-01183-3 · Cited by 13
Sarju, J. P. (2020) · Journal of Chemical Education · doi:10.1021/acs.jchemed.0c00786 · Cited by 12
Dotzel, S., Bonefeld, M., & Karst, K. (2021) · International Journal of Educational Research · doi:10.1016/j.ijer.2021.101796 · Cited by 13
Wu, C., Jing, B., Gong, X., & Ma, X. (2023) · Journal of Computer Assisted Learning · doi:10.1111/jcal.12822 · Cited by 12
Agostinho, S., Tindall‐Ford, S., & Bokosmaty, S. (2013) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-1-4614-7485-2_21 · Cited by 12
Majooni, A., Masood, M., & Akhavan, A. (2016) · Advances in intelligent systems and computing · doi:10.1007/978-3-319-41962-6_47 · Cited by 12
Wannagat, W., Waizenegger, G., Hauf, J. E. K., & Nieding, G. (2016) · Discourse Processes · doi:10.1080/0163853x.2016.1237246 · Cited by 14
Mason, R., & Cooper, G. A. (2012) · Cross Connect (Southern Cross University) · doi:10.5555/2483716.2483738 · Cited by 12
Popova, V. (2018) · Journal of Forensic Accounting Research · doi:10.2308/jfar-52228 · Cited by 12
Design of a cognitive tool to enhance problem‐solving performance
Lee, Y., & Nelson, D. W. (2005) · Educational Media International · doi:10.1080/09523980500116639 · Cited by 12
Ainsworth, S. E., & Peevers, G. (2003) · eScholarship (California Digital Library) · Cited by 12
Studying Eye Movements in Multimedia Learning
Tabbers, H. K., PAAS, F. G. W. C., Lankford, C., Martens, R. L., & van Merriënboer, J. J. G. (2008) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-0-387-73337-1_9 · Cited by 12
Teacher Knowledge for Inclusive Computing Learning
Goode, J., & Ryoo, J. J. (2019) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108654555.025 · Cited by 12
The effect of leads on cognitive load and learning in a conceptually rich hypertext environment
Antonenko, P. (2007) · Iowa State University Digital Repository (Iowa State University) · doi:10.31274/rtd-180813-16756 · Cited by 12
Characterizing ELL Students' Behavior During MOOC Videos Using Content Type
Uchidiuno, J., Hammer, J., Yarzebinski, E., Koedinger, K. R., & Ogan, A. (2017) · ACM Conference on Learning @ Scale (L@S) · doi:10.1145/3051457.3053981 · Cited by 11
Collins, L., & Collins, D. J. (2019) · Journal of Adventure Education & Outdoor Learning · doi:10.1080/14729679.2019.1686041 · Cited by 11
Lee, H., & Park, S. (2023) · Humanities and Social Sciences Communications · doi:10.1057/s41599-023-01646-6 · Cited by 11
Martin, S. (2012) · Educational Research and Evaluation · doi:10.1080/13803611.2012.659899 · Cited by 13
Understanding the Technology Enhanced Learning Environments from A Cognitive Perspective
Kök, A. (2009) · International Education Studies · doi:10.5539/ies.v2n4p3 · Cited by 11
How Revisions to Mathematical Visuals Affect Cognition
Clinton‐Lisell, V., Cooper, J., Michaelis, J. E., Alibali, M. W., & Nathan, M. J. (2016) · Advances in educational technologies and instructional design book series · doi:10.4018/978-1-5225-1005-5.ch010 · Cited by 11
Investigating styles in variability modeling: Hierarchical vs. constrained styles
Reinhartz-Berger, I., Figl, K., & Haugen, Ø. (2017) · Information and Software Technology · doi:10.1016/j.infsof.2017.01.012 · Cited by 11
Investigating the influence of transitory information and motivation during instructional animations
Ayres, P., & Youssef, A. (2008) · Cited by 11
Peut-on concevoir des documents électroniques plus efficaces ? L’exemple des diaporamas
Jamet, É. (2007) · European Review of Applied Psychology · doi:10.1016/j.erap.2006.10.003 · Cited by 13
Wirzberger, M., Beege, M., Schneider, S., Nebel, S., & Rey, G. D. (2016) · Computers & Education · doi:10.1016/j.compedu.2016.04.010 · Cited by 11
Scheid, J., Müller, A., Hettmannsperger, R., & Kühn, J. (2017) · Zeitschrift für Didaktik der Naturwissenschaften · doi:10.1007/s40573-017-0065-4 · Cited by 12
Leveling the playing field for international students in IT courses
Mason, R., & Seton, C. (2021) · Australasian Computing Education Conference · doi:10.1145/3441636.3442316 · Cited by 10
How explicit expected value information affects tax compliance decisions and information acquisition
Müller, M., Olsen, J., Kirchler, E. M., & Kogler, C. (2023) · Journal of Economic Psychology · doi:10.1016/j.joep.2023.102679 · Cited by 10
Lancaster, T., Robins, A. V., & Fincher, S. A. (2019) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108654555.015 · Cited by 11
How the Multimedia Communication of Strategy Can Enable More Effective Recall and Learning
Angwin, D., Cummings, S. P., & Daellenbach, U. (2019) · Academy of Management Learning and Education · doi:10.5465/amle.2018.0066 · Cited by 10
Using Cognitive Load Theory to Optimize Simulation Design
Naismith, L. M., Cheung, J. J. H., Sibbald, M., Tavares, W., Cavalcanti, R. B., Haji, F. A., & Fraser, K. L. (2019) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-815657-5.00010-3 · Cited by 11
A critical reflection on emerging topics in cognitive load research
Rikers, R. M. J. P. (2006) · Applied Cognitive Psychology · doi:10.1002/acp.1252 · Cited by 11
Individual Differences in Visual and Verbal Channel Capacity and Learning Outcome from Film and Text
Sæverot, H., & Torgersen, G.-E. (2016) · Creative Education · doi:10.4236/ce.2016.718264 · Cited by 10
Laere, E. V., & van Braak, J. (2017) · Journal of Computer Assisted Learning · doi:10.1111/jcal.12171 · Cited by 11
Münster, S., Niebling, F., Bruschke, J., Barthel, K., Friedrichs, K., Kröber, C., & Maiwald, F. (2019) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-030-15200-0_5 · Cited by 10
Interface design for digital courses
Boshuizen, H. P. A., & Kirschner, P. A. (2004) · Routledge eBooks · doi:10.4324/9780203416365-13 · Cited by 10
Spivak, B., Ogloff, J. R. P., & Clough, J. A. (2018) · Psychiatry Psychology and Law · doi:10.1080/13218719.2018.1506720 · Cited by 9
On a NeuroIS Design Science Model
Liapis, C., & Chatterjee, S. (2011) · Lecture notes in computer science · doi:10.1007/978-3-642-20633-7_32 · Cited by 9
Kuldas, S., Bakar, Z. A., & Hairul, N. I. (2017) · Electronic Journal of Research in Educational Psychology · doi:10.25115/ejrep.v10i27.1514 · Cited by 10
Vahrenhold, J., Cutts, Q. I., & Falkner, K. E. K. (2019) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108654555.019 · Cited by 11
Klein, P., Hahn, L., & Kühn, J. (2021) · Zeitschrift für Didaktik der Naturwissenschaften · doi:10.1007/s40573-021-00133-2 · Cited by 13
Wang, X., Kang, W., Huang, L., & Li, L. (2022) · ZDM · doi:10.1007/s11858-022-01357-3 · Cited by 9
Inclusive Outreach Activity Targeting Negative Alternate Conceptions of Chemistry
Palmer, A. L., & Sarju, J. P. (2022) · Journal of Chemical Education · doi:10.1021/acs.jchemed.1c00400 · Cited by 9
Anthropocentric Video Segmentation for Lecture Webcasts
Friedland, G. H., & Rojas, R. (2008) · EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing · doi:10.1155/2008/195743 · Cited by 9
Takır, A., & Aksu, M. (2012) · Creative Education · doi:10.4236/ce.2012.32037 · Cited by 11
Students’ Self-Diagnosis Using Worked-Out Examples
Safadi, R., & Yerushalmi, E. (2013) · Creative Education · doi:10.4236/ce.2013.43031 · Cited by 9
A Case Study of Qualitative Methods
Lewis, C. M. (2019) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108654555.032 · Cited by 14
Sklar, J. C., & Zwick, R. (2009) · Journal of Statistics Education · doi:10.1080/10691898.2009.11889539 · Cited by 9
Foster, M. K., West, B., & Bell-Angus, B. (2016) · Marketing Education Review · doi:10.1080/10528008.2016.1166441 · Cited by 9
Probing Teachers’ Lesson Planning: Promoting Metacognition
Eilam, B. (2017) · Teachers College Record The Voice of Scholarship in Education · doi:10.1177/016146811711901309 · Cited by 10
Pembelajaran Matematika Diskrit Mengacu pada Teori Beban Kognitif (Cognitive Load Theory)
Sari, F. F., Pujiarti, T., Hidayat, H., & Anjosa, A. (2024) · DIKSI Jurnal Kajian Pendidikan dan Sosial · doi:10.53299/diksi.v5i1.370 · Cited by 8
Yılmaz, T. K., Yılmaz, Z., & Arpacık, Ö. (2025) · Journal of Educational Computing Research · doi:10.1177/07356331251347008 · Cited by 8
Yıldız, M., Topuz, A. C., Polat, H., Taşlıbeyaz, E., Kurşun, E., & Yeşilyurt, S. (2025) · Educational Psychology · doi:10.1080/01443410.2025.2539797 · Cited by 8
Memmert, L., Tavanapour, N., & Bittner, E. A. C. (2023) · Journal of Information Systems Education · doi:10.62273/bvdt9573 · Cited by 8
Martínez, S., & Karla, L. (2013) · ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition · Cited by 8
Metadata
- Authors
- CHANDLER, P., & SWELLER, J.
- Affiliations
- UNSW Sydney (AU)
- Corresponding author
- SWELLER, JOHN
- Venue
- British Journal of Educational Psychology
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Published
- 1992-06
- Volume
- 62
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 233-246
- ISSN
- 0007-0998 (ISSN-L)
- 2044-8279
- OpenAlex
- W2141019025
- Cited by
- 767
- References
- 32
- Citations by year
- 2026: 32 · 2025: 36 · 2024: 27 · 2023: 29 · 2022: 28 · 2021: 36 · 2020: 27 · 2019: 74 · 2018: 28 · 2017: 35 · 2016: 30 · 2015: 18 · 2014: 27 · 2013: 29 · 2012: 44
- FWCI
- 3.84
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- British Journal of Educational Psychology (publishedVersion)
- 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 › Education › Online and Blended Learning
- Keywords
- split-attention effect, cognitive load theory, instructional design, extraneous cognitive load, physical integration, mental integration, NC programming, reading comprehension, learning from text
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.
What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›
Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review