Split attention effect

The split-attention effect can occur physically through visual and auditory splits and temporally when time distances two pieces of information that should be connected.

Chandler and Sweller found that this effect extends to a variety of other disciplines, due to it being a limitation in human information processing.

[7] Chandler and Sweller found through empirical study that the integration of text and diagrams reduces cognitive load and facilitates learning.

[5] Pociask and Morrison found in another study that integrated materials resulted in higher test scores and reduces extraneous cognitive load.

[11] Deaf and hard of hearing students are most likely to have the best experience in class and ease the effects of a split attention if they have a complete view of the classroom.

[13] Moreno and Mayer found evidence for auditory split attention when they tested learners with both ambient environmental sounds and music as they learned from instructional materials.

[1] The spatial contiguity principle is the idea that corresponding information is easier to learn in a multimedia format when presented close together rather than separate or farther apart.