How Do Seductive Details Work? An Aptitude-Treatment-Interaction Study Using Eye Tracking

• In Event: Roundtable Session 27
  In Roundtable Session: Mediating Variables in Technology Research

Abstract

The present study examines whether the seductive details effect is moderated by previous knowledge and spatial ability, which are two of the most relevant learner characteristics in multimedia learning. It is assumed that the seductive details effect with an increase in cognitive load and a decrease in learning success and perceptual processing is only present for learners with low previous knowledge and low spatial ability. Using an Aptitude-Treatment-Interaction design with spatial ability and previous knowledge as aptitude and seductive details as treatment variable, participants (N=50) were asked to learn with a multimedia instruction. Results confirm the seductive details effect and show that learners with low previous knowledge and low spatial ability were more affected by seductive details.

Authors

• Andreas Korbach, Saarland University

• Lisa Knoerzer, Saarland University

• Roland Bruenken, Saarland University

• Babette Park, Saarland University