The Scientific Value of Cognitive Load Theory: A Research Agenda Based on the Structuralist View of Theories |
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Authors: | Peter Gerjets Katharina Scheiter Gabriele Cierniak |
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Institution: | (1) Knowledge Media Research Center, Konrad-Adenauer-Str. 40, 72072 Tuebingen, Germany;(2) University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany;(3) Knowledge Media Research Center, Tuebingen, Germany |
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Abstract: | In this paper, two methodological perspectives are used to elaborate on the value of cognitive load theory (CLT) as a scientific
theory. According to the more traditional critical rationalism of Karl Popper, CLT cannot be considered a scientific theory
because some of its fundamental assumptions cannot be tested empirically and are thus not falsifiable. According to the structuralist
view of theories introduced by Joseph D. Sneed, a theory may be considered scientific even if it comprises nontestable fundamental
assumptions. Rather, the scientific value of a theory results from the holistic empirical content of the overall theory net
built around fundamental assumptions and from the successful applications of this theory net to explain and predict empirical
findings. This latter view is helpful to explicate some implicit methodological assumptions of CLT research and to avoid the
potential circularity of CLT’s fundamental assumptions. Additionally, the structuralist view of theories can be directly used
to derive a research agenda for the future development of CLT. |
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Keywords: | Critical rationalism Structuralist view of theories Theory validation Fallibility Cognitive load measurement Cognitive load theory |
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