3 Assumptions of Cognitive Theory of Multimedia

1) Dual Channel Assumption 
 
 Humans posses one channel for auditory input and a separate channel for visual input.

 Presentation Mode:

Dual Channel Assumption

Information that is verbally presented is constructed in the working memory.

Information that is visually constructed is constructed in the working memory.







Sensory-Modality:
Information that is auditorily presented (narration, background sounds) is processed by the auditory system

Information that is visually presented (pictures, animation, video, on-screen text) is processed by the visual system
(Clker, 2013)

Relationship Between Channels

When cognitive load is low, learners can also process information using the other channel. As an example, when cognitive load is low, a learner may process auditory input but the learner may also be able to visualize the oral presentation and process that oral information using the visual channel.

Imaging that the information presented in these slides is presented orally, as a radio program. If the cognitive load is low then you may also be able to visualize the audio information and process that information through the visual sensory channel. An example would be hearing a radio program but being able to visualize the descriptions. Likewise, if you see the slide and have a low cognitive load then you may be able to hear the information and process the visual information through the audio sensory input.
( Mayer, 2005)

2) Limited Capacity Assumption 

 Humans have an innate limitation on the amount of information that can be processed,by each channel, at any one time. Limited Capacity Assumption relates to cognitive load.

3) Active Processing Assumption 

Humans actively, cognitively process information so that they may construct a coherent mental representation of an experience.