Element interactivity underlies extraneous cognitive load as well as intrinsic cognitive load¶

Claim · All claims
Evidence · 1 study · theoretical r2 · q1
Currency · newest study 2010 · checked against its sources 2026-10-20 (automated, 1 of 1 entry) · not reviewed by a person

Subclaims¶

q1 i? The article argues that element interactivity, previously tied only to intrinsic load, also underlies extraneous cognitive load. → Sweller 2010

Evidence¶

Sweller 2010¶

Sweller, J. (2010). Element Interactivity and Intrinsic, Extraneous, and Germane Cognitive Load. Educational Psychology Review, 22, 123–138. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-010-9128-5

q1 · i? · theoretical · r2

Theoretical argument in the abstract of the article. The author proposes extending the element interactivity construct beyond intrinsic load, stating "element interactivity underlies extraneous cognitive load as well"; no empirical data are reported for this proposal.

"In this article, it is suggested that element interactivity underlies extraneous cognitive load as well."

Discussion¶

Related Claims¶

• A dual intrinsic/extraneous load framework is sufficient, non-redundant, and makes the boundaries of cognitive load theory transparent — related
• Intrinsic and extraneous load are distinguished by whether element interactivity is essential to the task or a function of instructional procedures — related
• Germane cognitive load can be defined in terms of intrinsic cognitive load, associating it with element interactivity — related
• The article analyzes the consequences of explaining the various cognitive load effects in terms of element interactivity — possibly the same claim (merge candidate)
• In its traditional treatment, germane cognitive load is essentially indistinguishable from intrinsic load and may be a redundant concept — related