Many (digital) learning materials are often based on a combination of text and pictures, whereby pictures often only serve a decorative (learning-irrelevant) function. Such decorative pictures were proven as detrimental for learning success. In contrast, research on retrieval cues (also known as "memory cues") showed that a…

The modality principle states that low-experience learners more successfully understand information that uses narration rather than on-screen text. This is due to the idea that on-screen text may produce a cognitive overload if it is accompanied by other visual elements. Other studies provided additional data and support for the modality principle…

This study aimed to investigate the effects of modality and gender on learning from a computer-based matrix graphic organizer. A 2 x 2 factorial experiment was created by crossing two presentation modes (visual text vs. spoken text) and gender. Dependent measures included transfer and comprehension tests. Results revealed a significant modality by…

A study investigated the proposition that males have a predominant tendency to encode visually when reading, whereas females tend to encode phonologically. Arabic symbols were used to teach a group of 24 college students to "read." Subjects were assigned randomly to one of two conditions: learning the symbols as "letters" one by one with the aid…