Definition
Cognitive load can be defined as the load imposed on an individual’s working memory by a particular (learning) task. It can be measured using various techniques.
Theoretical Background
Cognitive load theory (CLT) is discussed extensively elsewhere in this Encyclopedia, and therefore not repeated in detail here. What is important to note for cognitive load measurement, though, is that the intrinsic load imposed by a learning task results from both task and learner characteristics. The higher the number of novel interacting information elements a task contains, the higher the intrinsic cognitive load it imposes on working memory. With increasing practice, elements are combined or chunked into a schema, which is stored in long-term memory and can be retrieved and handled in working memory as a single information element. Because schemata can be handled as a single element, the same task imposes less cognitive...
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.
Buying options
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Learn about institutional subscriptionsReferences
Antonenko, P., Paas, F., Van Gog, T., & Grabner, R. (2010). Using electroencephalography (EEG) to measure cognitive load. Educational Psychology Review, 22, 425–438.
Brünken, R., Plass, J. L., & Leutner, D. (2003). Direct measurement of cognitive load in multimedia learning. Educational Psychologist, 38, 53–61.
Grabner, R. H., Neubauer, A. C., & Stern, E. (2006). Superior performance and neural efficiency: The impact of intelligence and expertise. Brain Research Bulletin, 69, 422–439.
Paas, F., Tuovinen, J., Tabbers, H., & Van Gerven, P. W. M. (2003). Cognitive load measurement as a means to advance cognitive load theory. Educational Psychologist, 38, 63–72.
Van Gog, T., & Paas, F. (2008). Instructional efficiency: Revisiting the original construct in educational research. Educational Psychologist, 43, 16–26.
Xie, B., & Salvendy, G. (2000). Review and reappraisal of modeling and predicting mental workload in single- and multi-task environments. Work and Stress, 14, 74–99.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2012 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC
About this entry
Cite this entry
van Gog, T., Paas, F. (2012). Cognitive Load Measurement. In: Seel, N.M. (eds) Encyclopedia of the Sciences of Learning. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1428-6_412
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1428-6_412
Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA
Print ISBN: 978-1-4419-1427-9
Online ISBN: 978-1-4419-1428-6
eBook Packages: Humanities, Social Sciences and Law