Dual-coding theory: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 23:05, 6 October 2006

Revision as of 21:57, 8 October 2006

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'''Dual-code theory''' a theory of cognition was first advanced by [[Allan Paivio]] of the University of Western Ontario. The theory posits that visual and verbal information is each processed differently along distinct channels with the human mind creating separate representations for information processed in each channel. Supporting evidence comes from research that shows that memory for some verbal information inis enhanced if a relevant visual is also presented or if the learner can imagine a visual image to go with the verbal information. Likewise verbal information can often be enhanced when paired with a visual image, real or imagined.

Each channel also has limitations. For example, humans have difficulty simultaneously attending to multiple auditory or visual cues, depending on expertise with the task or prior knowledge with the subject area. For example, a television documentary that shows images of plant and animal life in a rain forest while also simultaneously providing narration that describes the animal life could potentially provide for improved learning using the dual-code theory because the visual and verbal information does not compete with each other.

A multimedia presentation that shows multiple visuals such as a the image of a speaker as well as the text that the speaker is reading, such as a series of bullet points, could overwhelm the viewer, depending on the person and the situation, because the viewer must now attend to two images.

Working memory as proposed by [[Alan Baddeley]] includes a two-system processing system with a visuospatial sketchpad and a phonological loop which essentially maps to Paivio’s theory.