Construct and Predictive Validity of an Instrument for Measuring Intrinsic, Extraneous and Germane Cognitive Load

The aims of this study were to assess the factor structure of a new instrument for the measurement of intrinsic, extraneous and germane cognitive load in a Bosnian sample, to determine the internal consistency of this instrument and to determine whether the instrument predicts learning outcomes. The participants were 75 undergraduate students from the Department of Psychology, University of Sarajevo. Data was collected using the Questionnaire for the Measurement of Intrinsic, Extraneous and Germane Load developed by Leppink, Pass, Van der Vleuten, Van Gog & Van Merrienboer [15] and a Brief Test of Knowledge developed for the purpose of the present study. Results of a confirmatory factor analysis support a three-dimensional model, with the item loadings in the expected manner. The factor structure obtained in our study is consistent with the factor structure reported by Leppink et al. [15]. In addition, the scale items showed good internal consistencies. The results obtained in our study suggest that low intrinsic in combination with high germane scores contribute to learning outcome. High complexity of learning material in combination with not well-organized prerequisite knowledge causes lower investment of germane cognitive resources, i.e. learning process, and consequently lower learning outcome. Overall, despite a relatively small sample size, the results of our study show a clear three-factor structure that corresponded to intrinsic, extraneous and germane cognitive load. The questionnaire could be an important instrument for research practice in domain of CLT. Moreover, the instrument has significant practical value. Educational practitioner can use the instrument in researching and planning their teaching to maximise learning.