Managing spilt-attention and redundancy in multimedia learning environments:evidence for dual processing systems in working memory

Subject Areas : روان درمانگری

Hamid Reza Hassanabadi ¹ , Zohreh Sarmad ² , Mahmoud Ghazi Tabatabaei ³

1 - PhD Candidate Tehran University
2 - PhD Tehran University
3 - PhD Tehran University

Received: 2015-06-05 Accepted : 2015-06-05 Published : 2008-09-22

Keywords: split-attention, redundancy, modality, multimedia learning, concise instructional format, dual processing,

Abstract :

The purpose of this study was to modify split-attention and redundancy effects in multimedia learning environments by presenting the text in auditory form or by physically integrate the multiple sources of information. The topic of lightning formation was presented to middle school students via an animation (n=51). Concurrently with the animation, one group viewed on-screen text presented adjacent to the animation (textual concise group), the second group listened to a narration (narration concise group) and the third group received both on-screen text and the narration (redundant group). Learning about lightning formation was measured by retention and transfer tests. The narration group was outperformed the textual group in retention, revealing a modality effect. But students in redundant group performed worse on transfer test than did students who received concise formats, revealing a redundancy effect. The results are explained by a dual processing model of working memory and limited visual channel capacity. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.