Dual coding theory: parallel verbal and nonverbal representation systems as an alternative to schema theory¶

Theory · All theories
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The essay presents dual coding (Sadoski, Paivio, & Goetz, 1991) as an alternative to schema theory in which verbal stimuli are organized in terms of logogens representing phonemes, graphemes, morphemes, words and larger units, while nonverbal stimuli are organized as images of natural objects, visual-spatial items and natural groupings processed in parallel fashion. The two systems are interconnected and connected to the neurological system, so information is processed through both codes and yields holistic, situational representations going beyond the sentence. According to the essay, "the need for a propositional network for a situational representation is diminished by a holistic construct."

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Verbal and nonverbal systems that are interconnected and connected to the neurological system

Constraints¶

• The essay notes schema theory's lack of consistent definition motivates the alternative; the table entry for Sadoski, Paivio and Goetz asks how the nonverbal and verbal processing systems interconnect to provide holistic and situational constructs in memory

Target Learners¶

• readers processing verbal and imagistic text information

Target Learning Objectives¶

• holistic situational comprehension of text

Claims¶

Related Theories¶

• Dual coding theory as the explanatory account of video-supported L2 text comprehension
• Dual Coding Theory
• Mental models as a situational alternative to schema theory for comprehending novel situations and texts
• Schema theory as a theory of knowledge: networks of a superordinate concept with supporting information that interface with incoming information
• Dual coding theory (Paivio) as an account of visual facilitation of L2 lexical knowledge

Examples¶

• Dual Coding
• Apply DCT to educational research and teacher education in the science and practice of educational psychology

Key Sources¶

• Bigenho, Frederick W., Jr. (1992). Conceptual Developments in Schema Theory. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED351392