Master of Science

thesisThe current study utilized a meta-analysis review to investigate the sensitivity of several cognitive load measures. Specifically, the study examined whether self-rating, single-task performance, dual-task performance, eye-track, or physiological measures are most sensitive to changes in cognitive load. Additionally, the sensitivity of load measures was analyzed in relation to several variables such as age, research design, and learning content. After the initial search, 224 publications were identified and coded for inclusion in the meta-analysis. A random-effects model was employed, and the results demonstrated that cognitive load sensitivity varied by measure type. The load sensitivity among the study characteristics of age, content area, and research design also varied corresponding to specific cognitive load measure types. The number of self-rating items used to assess cognitive load did not significantly vary between single item and multiple item scales. Lastly, cognitive load sensitivity did not vary significantly among the measures in relation to peak and overall load. The last result may be biased by a small sample size of peak measures (n = 8)