Sweller's Experiments

Sweller's experiments focused on how people learn and process new information, especially in complex tasks. He studied how our working memory—our brain's short-term data store—can become overwhelmed when too much information is presented at once. His research showed that breaking complex problems into simpler parts or providing relevant background knowledge helps reduce cognitive load, making learning more efficient. These findings form the basis of Cognitive Load Theory, emphasizing that instructional design should consider our brain's capacity to improve understanding and retention.