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Cognitive Load in Complex Environments: Real-Time Measures, Stress Interactions, and Learning Outcomes

Abstract:

Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) describes the architecture of our cognition and provides guidance on how to apply this to the design of effective instructional materials and training. It has been used to develop many empirically validated methods for learning design in both educational and applied settings. Measuring CLT is an important tool towards the goal of creating well designed learning materials and online training systems. Many different methods have been used to measure load in real-time and these will be summarised in terms of those that have proven to be most useful within our research lab.  Recent research that looks at interactions between stress, CL and performance measures will also be discussed.  These findings have potential applications to the creation of real-time adaptative learning systems, which can adapt to individual differences (such as gender, stress and knowledge levels).  Finally, these adaptations will be discussed within the context of how real-time CL measurement could be applied to dynamic, complex, high-load environments, offering insights into practical implementation and future research directions.