In order to investigate the relative effectiveness of specific media attributes on student performance on criterion tests, a comparison was made of the effectiveness of two levels of stimulus explicitness in visuals in facilitating student achievement on criterion tests of knowledge, comprehension, and total understanding. Subjects were 171…

This discussion of the information-processing model of learning as it relates to research in educational media traces research in conceptual organization to its beginnings in mathematical models of information-processing; addresses research hypotheses concerning structure and organization, processes and processing systems, and perceptual cues; and…

The purpose of this study was to measure and analyze viewers' electroencephalographic reactions to motion and still pictures, and to increase knowledge on the differential impact of the two modes on brain wave production. Since beta brain wave indicates focused attention, an additional purpose was to determine whether the two media differed…

The multiple image presentation format investigated in this research review refers in most cases to the use of more than one image, with or without audio synchronization, on a single screen or multiple screens, with slides or any appropriate media mix to accomplish a predetermined learning task. Studies reviewed are divided into three categories:…

A two-experiment study investigated the possible contribution of prose-relevant pictures to the recall and retention of information presented in written prose materials with older learners as subjects. In the first experiment subjects were 52 graduate students from a southeastern university. Recall of information presented in written prose…

Examines the feelings, learning, and diffusion effects resulting from the Challenger explosion using a two-pronged approach both in a cross section and an over-time panel design. Indicates that television reliant individuals were the most knowledgeable about the disaster and also significantly more likely to recall accurately the "visual…

The first experiment determined that verbal interference (shadowing) was detrimental to the subjects' memory of words and high similarity pictures; the second, designed to minimize the possibility that students would sort through the pictures, indicated that verbal interference did not decrease memory of high similarity pictures. (Author/JEG)

The relationship between cognitive activity, achievement, and the number of eye fixations used by a learner in viewing visuals was examined. Past research has shown a positive correlation between learning and number of eye fixations and indicated that both the stimulus materials themselves and the viewer's intelligence level may influence viewing…

This study examines the effect of an entering behavior, i.e., the level of general knowledge of the subject matter, on the instructional effectiveness of illustrations which integrate abstract and realistic visualization. Subjects were 414 public school students who were divided into three groups according to their general level of knowledge of…

In order to compare the instructional effectiveness of realistic and non-realistic color cueing on visualized instruction, an instructional unit on the human heart, using slides and an audiotape, was presented to 244 college students. Four treatment groups received the same oral presentation, with the addition of different types of visual…

This study examined whether the sources of information children use to substantiate story-based inferences are influenced by the medium of delivery. The 48 third grade students who acted as subjects were stratified by sex and randomly assigned to one of two media conditions; i.e., each child was presented an African folktale either (1) as a…

A study examined how children visualize, draw, and make inferences about story content presented either aurally on tape or as an animated film. Audio versions of the story were manipulated to include short descriptions, in either literal or nonliteral language, directly analogous to the film's visual depiction at four points in the story. These…

Current issues in educational communications and technology are addressed in this collection of 48 papers, in which research reports predominate. Topics discussed include factors related to the learner, e.g., field dependence/independence, learning strategies, information processing, spatial ability, cognitive style, and cognitive strategies.…

The effect of background music with lecture tapes, filmstrips, and films in teaching freshman psychology concepts was investigated. Comparisons were made of media effect on visual or non-visual (haptic) and male or female learners, using experiments of 60 students each, with 20 subjects used for all treatment conditions. Three classes viewed…

A meta-analysis procedure was used to review research on pictorial effectiveness which focused on the use of static iconic visuals in instructional materials. The purpose of this exploratory study was to provide a means for forming future hypotheses based upon a quantitative aggregation of past research. The study was concerned with differential…