Human Cognitive Architecture Through the Lens of Cognitive Load Theory

Abstract

In this chapter, we explore how we think, learn and solve problems through the lens of cognitive load theory. Cognitive load theory is a contemporary theory for the design of education and training that incorporates principles derived from research on human cognitive architecture and evolutionary psychology. In cognitive load theory, two key components of human cognitive architecture are long-term memory and working memory. Long-term memory represents the knowledge base or information store that consists of knowledge structures or cognitive schemas that are the products of either evolutionary adaptation (biologically primary knowledge) or cultural advancement (biologically secondary knowledge). These structures or cognitive schemas typically comprise multiple elements of information that represent concepts, procedures and problem solutions. Expertise is intimately linked to that knowledge base in long-term memory. Working memory is the conscious information processing centre of our cognitive architecture and has natural processing constraints. The load arising from that information processing is also called working memory load or cognitive load. This chapter discusses types of cognitive load identified in a traditional and in a recently proposed framework and argues why the recent framework should be preferred. This chapter constitutes the theoretical foundation for Chaps. 2 (on expertise and problem solving) and 10 (on design guidelines) of this book.