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.

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

[10] Egan and Schwartz's study also suggests that chunking cannot adequately be implemented when the information and an image produce a split-attention effect.

[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.