The Influence of Learner Control in Instructional Animation
A Replication Study Using Different Methods to Measure Cognitive Load

Béatrice S. Hasler

 

In the current study, we have replicated the experiment using additional methods to measure students’ cognitive load while studying one of the three audio-visual animations or the narration-only version, respectively. We have used subjective difficulty and effort ratings, and the guess-remember-know paradigm to assess their confidence levels after each test question. As objective measures we have used students' scores on a knowledge test and measured the time to answer the multiple choice questions. As an objective online measure (during the learning task) we have used dual-task methodology, and behavioral observation.

Experimental Materials (in German)

1. Preknowledge Test
(press "r" to display the results)
The preknowledge test measures students level of prior knowledge before they study the learning material. After each question the students are asked to rate their confidence (according to the "guess-remember-know paradigm" that is frequently being used in memory researach).

2. Exercise Materials
(A short sequence from the movie "Finding Nemo")
(press "i" to display the instructions for the knowledge test; press "r" to display the results)

   Stop-play

System-
paced
This version contains a stop-play button which allows the students to view the animation at their own pace. They can stop the animation at any time.
   Segments System-
paced
This version is divided into 11 segments. It stops automatically after each segment. The students decide when they want the animation to continue.
   Continuous Learner-
paced
This version contains no user interaction.The students view the whole animation without any interruption.
   Narration Learner-
paced
In this version the students listen to the commentary only, without viewing any animation. This version is necessary to check if the commentary is intelligible in isolation and if the animation contains redundant information.

3. Day & night presentation with knowledge test

(press "i" to display the instructions for the knowledge test; press "r" to display the results)
   Stop-play Animation System-
paced
This version contains a stop-play button which allows the students to view the animation at their own pace. They can stop the animation at any time.
   Segmented Animation System-
paced
This version is divided into 11 segments. It stops automatically after each segment. The students decide when they want the animation to continue.
   Continuous Animation Learner-
paced
This version contains no user interaction.The students view the whole animation without any interruption.
   Narration-Only Learner-
paced
In this version the students listen to the commentary only, without viewing any animation. This version is necessary to check if the commentary is intelligible in isolation and if the animation contains redundant information.


The animation requires the
Macromedia Flash 8 plugin. If you cannot view the animation, please download the plugin!


Results

Coming soon...



 
back to the description of the initial experiment
© Béatrice Hasler