The Modality Effect

Abstract

The modality effect is closely related to the split-attention effect (Chapter 9). According to cognitive load theory, the split-attention effect occurs when learners must process separate but related sources of information that cannot be understood without mental integration. The cognitive resources required to effect this integration are unavailable for learning and may exceed the available capacity of working memory. This chapter describes an alternative way of dealing with split-attention conditions by engaging both auditory and visual channels of information in working memory rather than just the visual channel. For example, rather than presenting a diagram and written text that rely entirely on the visual channel, a diagram and spoken text relying on both auditory and visual modalities are used.