Cognitive load theory – IB Psychology Study Notes

Comprehensive IB Psychology study notes on Cognitive load theory. Covers key theories, research studies, and evaluation points for the 2027 syllabus.

Mark Scheme SECTION A MARK SCHEME 4 marks Must Include: • Working memory has limited capacity Sweller • Intrinsic load: task's inherent difficulty • Extraneous load: presentation design/distractions • Germane load: effort for schema building/learning • Too much total load → cognitive overload • Concrete scenario mapping all three loads • Learning outcome impaired by overload Link Formula: "Scenario creates intrinsic load difficulty + extraneous load distraction + germane load learning, exceeding...