Cognitive Load Theory (Definition + Examples)

Summary

This video explores cognitive load theory, a concept in psychology that explains why we remember some things and forget others. It delves into the workings of memory, focusing on the importance of not overwhelming our working memory for effective learning and communication. The video discusses strategies to reduce cognitive load, such as focusing on single tasks and creating morning routines, and highlights the three types of cognitive load: intrinsic, extrinsic, and germane. By understanding and applying these concepts, one can improve productivity, learning, and teaching methods.

Takeaways

• 🧠 The ability to remember or forget things is rooted in our understanding of memory, emotional focus, and the brain's physical structures.
• 📚 Cognitive Load Theory is pivotal for teaching complex concepts effectively by considering the limitations of working memory.
• 💡 To enhance learning and communication, it's crucial to respect the capacity of working memory and avoid overloading it with too much information at once.
• 🔍 There's no fixed number for the amount of information working memory can handle, but simpler ideas are generally easier to process.
• 🚫 Multitasking is a myth; it increases cognitive load and reduces efficiency because our working memory can't effectively manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• 🔑 Reducing cognitive load by focusing on one task at a time can lead to increased productivity and decreased stress.
• 🌅 Establishing a morning routine can be a practical strategy to decrease cognitive load and enhance daily productivity.
• 👨‍🏫 Teachers and instructors can manipulate cognitive load by adjusting the way they present information to students, aiming to reduce the extrinsic cognitive load.
• 📈 Understanding the three types of cognitive load—Intrinsic, Extrinsic, and Germaine—can help educators design more effective learning experiences.
• 🔗 Skillshare, as mentioned in the script, offers a variety of courses that can help individuals manage their cognitive load and enhance their skills.

Q & A

What is the central question within psychology that the video script addresses?

The central question within psychology addressed in the video script is why we remember some things but forget others.

What factors influence our ability to remember information according to cognitive load theory?

According to cognitive load theory, the ability to remember information is influenced by the cognitive load, which takes into account the complexity of the information, the method of teaching, and the structures and workings of the brain.

What is working memory and how does it relate to long-term memory?

Working memory is a cognitive system that temporarily holds information for processing or manipulation. It is the short-term storage of information that can be easily accessed and is directly related to long-term memory, as information that is frequently used or deemed important is transferred from working memory to long-term memory.

What are the three types of cognitive load mentioned in the script?

The three types of cognitive load mentioned in the script are intrinsic cognitive load, extrinsic cognitive load, and germane cognitive load.

How can cognitive load theory be applied to improve self-development?

Cognitive load theory can be applied to self-development by reducing multitasking, focusing on one task at a time, and creating a morning routine to decrease cognitive load and increase productivity.

What is the role of schema in long-term memory according to the video script?

Schema in long-term memory are structures that help organize and hold information. They provide context and make new information related to those schemas easier to remember.

Why is it important to respect the limitations of working memory when learning new concepts?

Respecting the limitations of working memory is important because overloading it can lead to information being forgotten and not effectively transferred to long-term memory, which hinders learning.

How does the video script suggest reducing cognitive load during learning?

The video script suggests reducing cognitive load during learning by focusing on one task at a time, simplifying the teaching method, and creating a structured learning environment.

What is the significance of the cognitive load theory in teaching complex concepts?

The cognitive load theory is significant in teaching complex concepts because it helps educators understand how to present information in a way that minimizes the cognitive load on students, making it easier for them to process and retain the information.

How does the video script link cognitive load theory with stress reduction and productivity?

The video script links cognitive load theory with stress reduction and productivity by illustrating that managing cognitive load through focused attention and structured learning can lead to less stress and increased efficiency in daily tasks.

Outlines

00:00

🧠 Understanding Memory and Cognitive Load

This paragraph delves into the psychology of memory, emphasizing the importance of understanding how we remember and forget information. It introduces cognitive load theory as a key concept for improving learning and communication. The narrator explains the role of working memory in processing and storing information, the concept of schemas in long-term memory, and how cognitive load theory can be applied to teaching and daily life. The paragraph also touches on the idea of reducing cognitive load by focusing on single tasks and avoiding multitasking, which can lead to increased productivity and reduced stress.

05:01

🌞 Leveraging Cognitive Load Theory for Personal Productivity

The second paragraph focuses on practical applications of cognitive load theory to enhance personal productivity. It discusses the myth of multitasking and suggests that focusing on one task at a time can be more efficient. The narrator shares a personal anecdote about managing multiple projects and the stress associated with it, highlighting the benefits of prioritizing and tackling tasks sequentially. The paragraph also promotes Skillshare as a resource for learning, mentioning a specific course on creating a morning routine that has positively impacted the narrator's daily productivity. The concept of cognitive load is further explored through the discussion of intrinsic, extrinsic, and germane cognitive loads, explaining how teachers and instructors can manipulate these to improve learning outcomes.

Keywords

💡Memory

Memory refers to the cognitive process of encoding, storing, and retrieving information. In the context of the video, memory is central to understanding why we retain some information and forget others. It is tied to the effectiveness of learning and communication, as well as the ability to manipulate how we perceive the world. The video discusses how memory works in conjunction with cognitive load theory to influence what we remember and how we can use this knowledge to improve our learning and teaching strategies.

💡Cognitive Load Theory

Cognitive Load Theory is a framework that explains how we process and manage new information using our working memory. The video emphasizes that this theory is crucial for understanding how to teach complex concepts effectively. It suggests that by respecting the limitations of our working memory, we can improve learning by not overloading it with too much information at once. The theory is used to explain how to structure lessons and tasks to optimize learning and retention.

💡Working Memory

Working memory is the part of the memory system that temporarily holds information for processing. The video describes how information from our senses enters sensory memory and, if relevant, moves to working memory where it is processed or forgotten. Working memory's capacity is limited, and the video uses this concept to explain why we should manage the amount of information we try to process at one time to enhance learning.

💡Long-term Memory

Long-term memory is the part of the memory system that stores information over a long period. The video contrasts it with working memory, highlighting that it has a much larger capacity. It explains that the goal of processing information in working memory is to move it to long-term memory for permanent storage. The concept is used to illustrate how we should manage the transfer of information from working to long-term memory to improve retention.

💡Schema

Schema are mental structures that help organize and store information in long-term memory. The video uses the example of a video game to explain how schema can relate individual pieces of information to a broader context, making it easier to remember and understand. Schema are crucial for learning new concepts because they provide a framework for integrating new information with existing knowledge.

💡Intrinsic Cognitive Load

Intrinsic Cognitive Load refers to the inherent complexity of the material being learned. The video explains that this type of load is determined by the difficulty of the information itself and is not something that can be easily manipulated by teachers. It is an important consideration when designing lessons because complex material naturally requires more cognitive resources to process.

💡Extrinsic Cognitive Load

Extrinsic Cognitive Load is related to the way information is presented or taught, which can either simplify or complicate the learning process. The video suggests that by reducing extrinsic cognitive load through clear and organized teaching methods, students can more easily process information and move it to long-term memory. The example given is the difference between memorizing a fact through repetition and through a more engaging and contextualized method.

💡Germane Cognitive Load

Germane Cognitive Load is the mental effort required to learn and build new schemas. The video explains that this type of load is beneficial as it involves the construction of new knowledge structures in long-term memory. However, if the load is too high due to complex or poorly structured learning activities, it can hinder learning. The video uses the example of a woodworking workshop to illustrate how different teaching approaches can affect germane cognitive load.

💡Multitasking

Multitasking is the act of attempting to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. The video debunks the myth of multitasking by explaining that it can lead to increased cognitive load and reduced efficiency. It suggests that focusing on one task at a time can reduce cognitive load, leading to better performance and less stress. This concept is used to advise viewers on how to manage their daily tasks more effectively.

💡Skillshare

Skillshare is an online learning platform mentioned in the video as a sponsor. It offers a wide range of classes, including one on creating a morning routine that the speaker found helpful. The video uses Skillshare as an example of a resource that can provide strategies for reducing cognitive load and improving productivity, aligning with the theme of the video on managing cognitive load for better learning and daily functioning.

Highlights

The video explores why we remember some things and forget others, focusing on the cognitive, emotional, and physical aspects of memory.

Understanding memory can improve study effectiveness and communication of memorable messages.

Cognitive load theory is introduced as a way to teach and communicate complex concepts more effectively.

Working memory's role in processing and storing information is crucial for learning and memory formation.

Long-term memory contains schemas that help organize and relate information.

Cognitive load theory emphasizes the importance of not overwhelming working memory to enhance learning.

The video discusses how multitasking can increase cognitive load and decrease productivity.

Focusing on single tasks can reduce cognitive load and improve efficiency.

A morning routine can help decrease cognitive load and increase daily productivity.

Skillshare is highlighted as a resource for learning and development, with a special mention of a morning rituals course.

There are three types of cognitive load: intrinsic, extrinsic, and germane, each affecting learning differently.

Intrinsic cognitive load is determined by the difficulty of the information being taught.

Extrinsic cognitive load is influenced by the teaching method's effectiveness and clarity.

Germane cognitive load is associated with the creation of new schemas for understanding complex concepts.

The video concludes by emphasizing the practical applications of cognitive load theory for focused learning.

Skillshare is offered as a valuable platform for learning with a special free trial for viewers.

Transcripts

why do you remember some things but

forget other things

this is a central question within

psychology and the answer relies on

knowledge of memory

emotion focus and the physical

structures and the workings of the brain

when you know the answer of why we

remember some things you can study more

effectively

communicate a message that people

remember and manipulate the way that you

and the others see the world

this video will describe the cognitive

load theory and how you can use it to

teach

communicate and share information like

complex concepts

i'm also going to be going over how to

use such a simple idea to be less

stressed and more productive as you go

out throughout your day

teachers designers and even guys like me

use principles of this theory every day

even if we don't know that we're using

it and once you understand this concept

you will find that your approach to

learning and teaching is more

intentional strategic

and effective but before continuing i

want to give a huge shout out to

skillshare for sponsoring this video

we'll talk more about them later so

cognitive load theory looks at the way

that we consider

working memory while teaching complex

concepts or solving problems

and before we talk about this theory we

must talk about something called working

memory

when you see something hear something or

take in any type of information through

your senses

it enters what psychologists call

sensory memory

and from here your brain quickly filters

out information that is irrelevant

if you're intentionally devoting your

focus to a video game for example

the sound of the wind or the smell of

your food cooking in the next room

is forgotten the information that is

relevant goes into your working memory

now once the information is moved to

your working memory your brain begins to

process it

or decides to forget it and the ultimate

goal is to store the important

information into your long-term memory

psychologists believe that within

long-term memory are structures of

information

hierarchies these structures are called

schema and they help you relate to

individual pieces of information

to other pieces of information within

the schema of your video game for

example

you may have information about what each

button on your controller does

or the backstory of a specific character

the first time you used your controller

or played a game

information about each button was in

your working memory you rehearsed and

worked with the information long enough

that it's now in your long-term memory

and it's easy to retrieve every time you

pick up the controller but

not all information that's important

goes from your working memory

ends up in your long-term memory and why

is that in some cases it's because

you're overwhelming your working memory

and this is exactly what cognitive load

theory is all about

so long term memory is like a computer

with unlimited data storage

working memory on the other hand can

only process a few pieces of information

at a time

if we fail to come back to the

information in our working memory it'll

be dropped it'll be forgotten forever

cognitive load theory suggests that if

we want to learn more effectively

we must respect this reality and only

load up

a few pieces of information into our

working memory at a time

if we load up on too much we will be

more likely to forget and won't connect

information that we're trying to learn

now there's no set number when it comes

to the pieces of information that can be

held in our working memory

our age and our development influence

how much of a cognitive load

that each person can take on at once in

general the simpler the ideas are the

easier it will be to process them and

store them in long-term memory

the creator of the cognitive load theory

john sweller

also did a lot of work to describe the

different types of cognitive load and

how instructors can strategize their

materials and lessons to lighten the

load and help students learn more

effectively

i'm going to go over these three types

of cognitive loads in a little bit

but first let's learn how we can use the

cognitive load theory in our own

self-development

did you know multitasking is a myth you

may be encouraged by your colleagues

managers or society at large

to get everything done at once and to

save time in reality though

multitasking does not save time you

cannot hold all the relevant information

and multiple tasks

in your working memory when you switch

back and forth between two different

tasks or three different tasks

or sometimes more than five different

tasks your mind has to go through a

mental shift

leaving behind some of the information

from the previous task

now these shifts take up more time and

cognitive power than you might think

so a simple trick here is to reduce your

cognitive load by focusing on only one

task at a time

put down your phone turn off the tv and

give your brain less to work with

by doing this the cognitive load is

lighter once you're done with the task

you can more effectively put all of the

relevant information aside

and focus fully on the next task the

trick here is that you'll save time

and reduce your chance for getting

information as you shift back and forth

in fact understanding cognitive load

seems to help the most when we realize

we can take advantage of it

by not trying to tackle multiple

projects at once

i recently have been building a house to

live in while also training a dog

working on this channel and i basically

found myself very stressed

i think a lot of it is because i wasn't

able to fully commit to each project

however once i prioritized each project

by itself

and completed them one by one instead of

all at the same time

i found each project much more enjoyable

and since then i've been feeling less

stressed

now if you're interested in learning how

to decrease your cognitive load one of

the best ways to do that is to come up

with a morning routine

i recently took a course on skillshare

titled morning rituals

how to create a morning routine it

outlines important routines

that i found very helpful in making my

mornings much more productive

something new that i recently added was

practicing gratitude which seems really

simple and cliche and is in all the

books

but felipa explained it in a new way

that resonated with me

and has actually been affecting my daily

mood with over 3 000 students in the

course when i first saw it

i decided to go through it and i highly

recommend this class

skillshare actually sponsored this video

and if you don't know about them by now

they are an online learning platform

with over 17 000 classes

and the price point is very affordable

one of these classes in my opinion

is worth way more than the monthly fee

that they charge a premium membership

costs less than ten dollars per month if

you pay annually

it's a little bit more if you pay by the

month but still very affordable and if

you're interested

the first 1000 people to click the link

in the description below will actually

get a free trial of skillshare premium

but back to cognitive load so there are

three types of cognitive load that may

or may not be manipulated by teachers or

instructors

and this is going to get a little

technical so here we go the first type

is intrinsic

cognitive load this refers to the level

of difficulty of information

that someone is wanting to share for

example the theory of cognitive

load has a little bit more of an

intrinsic cognitive load

than say a mathematical fact like 4

times 4

equals 16. now you need to know

instructors and teachers can't

manipulate the intrinsic cognitive load

but you should be aware of it whenever

you're teaching something like this

secondly we have something called

extrinsic cognitive load

and this is the method in which the

information is taught to the students

so if it's really distracting or it's

ineffective these teaching methods

increase extrinsic cognitive load and

the goal of teachers or mentors

whether they know it or not is to reduce

extrinsic cognitive load

and communicate information in a simple

effective way so as an example let's

look at two ways you can teach a simple

fact

christopher columbus arrived in the

americas in 1492

so one of the ways to teach this

information is to say in 1492

columbus sailed the ocean blue which a

lot of people have heard and you can

just say it a few times throughout the

day

another way to teach this information is

to show students a painting of

christopher columbus sailing towards the

americas

holding some sort of decree or a scroll

that says the year is 1492.

obviously the first method is going to

have a lot less cognitive load it's

easier to remember

and the information is already organized

for our brain there's a little rhyme to

it

students who learn this rhyme will

commit it to long-term memory faster

it has a lower extrinsic cognitive load

now the third type of cognitive load is

germaine cognitive load

and this type of load occurs when we are

creating a new schema for this concept

schema as i mentioned earlier in the

video are structures in which we

organize and hold information

they provide context and make new

information related to those schemas

easier to remember

so let's say you enter a woodworking

workshop with no prior knowledge of the

craft

one instructor starts a workshop by

introducing to you all the tools that

you will use in woodworking

now another teacher dives into a

complicated project asking you to grab

tools

that you're unfamiliar with grab this

grab that the second teacher is

increasing your cognitive load

you've got to play catch-up as you

attempt to build a more complicated

schema

with information that you do not already

have in your long-term memory

it's kind of confusing and i'm not going

to get too detailed in this video

but as you can see the different types

of cognitive load can be manipulated

and a smart teacher will keep these in

mind as they choose materials

and create a lesson plan and ending this

video

cognitive load theory feels like common

sense but in a world full of

distractions

it's nice to remember every now and then

all you have to do is reduce your load

to help you stay focused

thank you guys so much for watching this

video i hope you learned something and

don't forget to check out skillshare if

you haven't already

remember the first thousand people to

click the link in the description below

will get a free trial of skillshare

premium where you can check out all of

their interesting and amazing classes

see you in the next video