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

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Human Mental Workload: Models and Applications (H-WORKLOAD 2018)

Part of the book series: Communications in Computer and Information Science ((CCIS,volume 1012))

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.

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  1. School of Computing, College of Health and Sciences, Dublin Institute of Technology, Dublin, Ireland

    Giuliano Orru & Luca Longo

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  1. Giuliano Orru
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  1. Dublin Institute of Technology, Dublin, Ireland

    Luca Longo

  2. Dublin Institute of Technology, Dublin, Ireland

    M. Chiara Leva

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Orru, G., Longo, L. (2019). The Evolution of Cognitive Load Theory and the Measurement of Its Intrinsic, Extraneous and Germane Loads: A Review. In: Longo, L., Leva, M. (eds) Human Mental Workload: Models and Applications. H-WORKLOAD 2018. Communications in Computer and Information Science, vol 1012. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-14273-5_3

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