Cognitive load

Stergios Symeonidis

Chapter 13 in Elgar Concise Encyclopedia of Neuroscience and Management, 2026, pp 46-49 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Cognitive load theory (CLT) is a theoretical framework that explains how the human brain processes and manages information through the limited capacity of working memory. Originating in the 1980s, it provides valuable insight into the mechanisms of learning, task performance, and mental effort. While earlier models primarily focused on observable behavior, CLT emphasizes the internal cognitive processes that determine how knowledge is acquired and retained. Recent advancements in neuroscience, including electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring and eye-tracking methods, have enabled researchers to measure cognitive load with precision, offering new perspectives on how information is processed and managed in real time.

Keywords: Cognitive load theory; Mental effort; EEG; Eye-tracking; Pupillometry; Neuroscience (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035332885
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