An Eye-Tracking Study: The Role of Mood Induction and Emotional Design in Multimedia Learning

• In Event: Poster Session 10
  In Poster Session: Games, the World Wide Web, and Robots

Abstract

The present eye tracking-study examines the influence of emotions in multimedia learning. Realized in a 2x2 experimental design, the participants received externally induced emotions (through positively versus neutrally induced moods) and learned with a multimedia instruction, which was varied in its design (with versus without anthropomorphisms). Although no positive emotions could be induced through anthropomorphisms, learners in a positive emotional state before learning showed a significantly higher learning performance. The eye tracking-data reveal that learners who saw anthropomorphisms fixated relevant pictures significantly longer. In sum, the results do not confirm that learners profit from the present emotional design. However, the results show an attention arousing effect of anthropomorphisms in the eye tracking-data and the relevance of emotional states before learning.

Authors

• Lisa Knoerzer, Saarland University

• Andreas Korbach, Saarland University

• Roland Bruenken, Saarland University

• Babette Park, Saarland University