Cognitive load questionnaire

1. How do you measure cognitive load?
2. What is an example of cognitive load?
3. What is the PAAS scale?

How do you measure cognitive load?

One of the first subjective measures of cognitive load was developed by Paas (1992). In this study, learners were asked to indicate on a 9-point Likert scale “how much mental effort they have invested in a task”, ranging from 1 (very, very low mental effort) to 9 (very, very high mental effort).

What is an example of cognitive load?

For example, when you hear two people trying to explain something to you at the same time, the increased cognitive load prevents you from focussing on both explanations and you might only pick up on fragments of what each person is saying.

What is the PAAS scale?

In fact, the scale used by Paas consists of one item, and participants are asked to use a 9-point Likert scale for their responses, ranging from very, very low mental effort (1) to very, very high mental effort (9).