The greater the effort to accomplish a task, the less likely the task will be done successfully. Performance load is determined by the degree of mental and physical activity required to achieve a goal. If the performance load is high, performance time and errors increase, and the probability of accomplishing the goal decreases (W. Lidwell 2003).
Performance load consists of two types, cognitive load and kinematic load. Kinematic load is the branch of mechanics that studies the motion of a body or a system of bodies without consideration given to its mass or the forces acting on it (Farlex). It is the degree of physical activity, number of steps of movement, or amount of force required to accomplish a goal (W. Lidwell 2003). The general strategies for reducing kinematic load include reducing the number of steps required to complete tasks and minimizing the range of motion and travel distances.
Cognitive load theory is an internationally well-known and widespread theory, which has been confirmed in numerous studies (Bannert 2001). Cognitive load theory is one of the most important theories in educational psychology, a highly effective guide for the design of multimedia and other learning materials (Jan L. Plass 2010). The term is commonly used in the field of education to describe the amount of work imposed on working memory (Chaudhry). The objective of cognitive load theory is to predict learning outcomes by taking into consideration the capabilities and limitations of the human cognitive architecture (Jan L. Plass 2010). The theory can be applied to a broad range of learning environments because it links the design characteristics of learning materials to principles of human information processing (Jan L. Plass 2010). The general strategies for reducing cognitive load include minimizing visual noise, chunking information that must be remembered, using memory aids to assist in recall and problem solving (W. Lidwell 2003).
References:
Bannert, M. (2001). Managing coginitve load – Recent trends in cognitve load theory, University of Koblanz – Landau.
Chaudhry, M. “What is coginitive load theory?”. from http://matchaudhry.hubpages.com/hub/What-is-Cognitive-Load-Theory.
Farlex. from http://www.thefreedictionary.com/kinematics.
Jan L. Plass, R. M., Ronald Brunken (2010). Cognitive Load Theory: Theory and Applications, Cambridge University Press.
W. Lidwell, K. H., J. Butler (2003). Performance Load. Massachusetts.
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