Do Sounds Improve Learning From an Explanative Narration?

• In Event: Research on the Design of Multimedia-Based and Animation-Enhanced Instruction

Abstract

The purpose of two experiments was to investigate the effects of sounds and pictures in learning from an explanative narration. Although the benefits of adding pictures to a narration are well established (Mayer, 2009), the effects of nonverbal sounds have received less attention. In two experiments, sounds and pictures were varied independently, and their effects on retention and transfer performance were investigated. We used a 2x2-Design with presence or absence of pictures and sounds as experimental factors. The results of the first experiment showed that students remembered more main ideas when pictures had been presented. In contrast, students showed better transfer performance when sounds had been presented. In a second experiment we tested whether these results can be replicated.

Authors

• Claudia Leopold, University of Münster

• Anke Heckoetter, Referendar

• Stephan Dutke, University of Münster