Color vs. black and white in instructional films

Abstract

The following conclusions seem to be supported by the data gathered in this study: 1. The use of color in instructional films which may superficially seem to “call for color” does not appear to be justified in terms of greater learning on the part of those who view the films. If color is to be used effectively in films there must be careful preproduction consideration of the probable psychological impact of specific uses of color upon the learner. 2. The contribution of color in film seems to be related more to the retention of learning than to the immediate acquisition of learning. Those who view color films may not learn more than those who view the same films in black and white but they are likely to forget less of what they learn than those who view the black and white films. 3. While “liking” for a film and learning from the film are probably positively related the influence of color in determining such liking is not great enough to warrant its use as a means of increasing liking and therewith increasing learning. The “aesthetic value” of color as a contribution to learning effectiveness appears to be less than that of the intrinsic appeal of the subject matter. 4. Sex differences with regard to preferences for and learning from color films are slight.