#Note/Permanent #CognitiveScience/CognitiveLoad #LearningPsychology ## Summary The traditional Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) identifies three types of cognitive loads: intrinsic cognitive load, extraneous cognitive load, and germane cognitive load. This note focuses on the first two: 1. The more complex the task or learning subject is, the higher the cognitive load it generates. 2. The more abstract the task or learning subject is presented, the higher the cognitive load it generates. 3. As we acquire more knowledge and experience related to the task or learning subject, topics that previously seemed challenging become easier, thus lowering the cognitive load. ## Intrinsic cognitive load Intrinsic cognitive load refers to the load caused by the inherent complexity of the knowledge to be learned or the task to be processed, which varies among individuals. The complexity for an individual is determined by the degree of interconnectedness between essential elements of information that need to be considered simultaneously in [working memory](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Working_memory). An information element, often referred to as a "[chunk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chunking_(psychology))", is influenced by the individual's existing knowledge base. As expertise develops, the size of these "chunks" increases, encapsulating many interacting elements into a single, more manageable element for an expert. For example, in recognizing human faces, we don't perceive them as mere collections of edges, curves, or discrete facial features like noses, lips, and eyes. Instead, these details are encapsulated into a single element that we recognize as a face. ![[Deep Learning Facial Recognition Example.png]] _Credit: Coursera: Neural Networks and Deep Learning_ Another example is in chess. A novice player might focus on individual moves to capture an opponent's piece, while a grandmaster perceives the arrangement of multiple pieces as a pattern, strategizing to improve their overall position. For the grandmaster, the pattern of the chess pieces' positions is considered a single element, but for a novice, it may involve multiple elements. Consequently, the same chess position imposes a heavier intrinsic cognitive load on novices compared to grandmasters. ## Extraneous Cognitive Load Extraneous cognitive load is related to the presentation of learning material or tasks, and the actions required to learn or complete these tasks. Unlike intrinsic cognitive load, extraneous cognitive load is not determined by the internal complexity of the material or task and can be modified. For example, if a textbook places figures and their related text on separate pages, it forces the reader to flip back and forth, creating an unnecessary burden on working memory. This burden could be alleviated by positioning text and figures side by side, eliminating the need for memorization or page-flipping, which reduces the extraneous cognitive load. ## Reference - [Cognitive Load Theory: How Many Types of Load Does it Really Need?](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10648-010-9150-7) - [Cognitive Load Theory](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780123876911000028) - [Cognitive Architecture and Instructional Design: 20 Years Later](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10648-019-09465-5)