Examining the Link Between Self-Efficacy and Cognitive Load: Latent Profile Analysis Approach (Poster 38)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Thursday 9:50 a.m.
  In Poster Session: Learning Processes: Reasoning, Memory, and Executive Functioning

Abstract

Cognitive load theory has informed the design of instructions to mitigate cognitive load that does not contribute to effective learning. However, little emphasis has been placed on person-based variations in cognitive load and its relationship with motivational constructs. The aim of this current study is to examine latent profiles of cognitive load and assess the association between self-efficacy and each profile using data from 243 students enrolled in an asynchronous course. The results showed three cognitive load profiles, which differ in self-efficacy scores. The lowest score in self-efficacy was associated with the profile exhibiting the highest extraneous cognitive load. These findings indicate the harmful impact of extraneous cognitive load as a task-irrelevant effort on self-efficacy.

Authors

• Noha Ramadan, Utah State University

• Young Min Kim, Utah State University

• David F. Feldon, Utah State University