Within the framework of cognitive learning theories, instructional design manipulations have primarily been investigated under tightly controlled laboratory conditions. We carried out two experiments, where the first experiment was conducted in a restricted system-paced setting and is therefore in line with the majority of empirical studies in the…

The effects of presenting objectives to students in a graduate computer-managed course were investigated. The hypotheses, based on previous laboratory studies, that objectives would decrease test-item-latency, increase study time, and facilitate performance on unit tests was tested. (Editor/RK)