Introduction:
In this activity we applied what our group has
learned about Cognitive Load Theory and CARP Message Design (contrast,
alignment, repetition and proximity) to the “Research Resources” activity
relating periodicals (http://www.libraries.psu.edu/psul/researchguides/periodicals_and_journals.html).
As opposed to the original activity, in which all concepts are grouped together
in one table, our group chunked the concepts into sections. Chunking the material into smaller can reduce
cognitive load for the learner as the material is introduced in small parts to
assist in understanding the types of periodicals. Each concept is grouped into
one of the following ideas: WHO, WHAT, WHERE, & HOW. Each chunk is followed
by a test of some sort to make sure the learner has grasped the idea presented
before moving to the next idea. We also included an element of repetition in our assignment. Each criteria is mentioned above the table
and then mentioned again proceeding the multiple-choice question.
Complete the questions and activity below.
Please discuss your answers and the material in the comments section.
Part I: Types of Periodicals
Purpose: The
purpose of this activity is to inform freshman college students of the types of
periodicals.
Read each table and answer the following questions.
Who: Who is the author? Who is the audience? Who publishes
the journal?
Author
|
Audience
|
Publisher
|
|
Scholarly Journals
|
Researchers and experts
|
Researchers and experts
|
Associations or universities
|
Professional/Trade Journals
|
Staff
writers and experts in the field
|
Members
of a trade or profession
|
Associations
|
Popular Periodicals/ Magazines
|
Staff
writers, although many articles are unsigned
|
The
general public
|
Commercial
organizations
|
Question: People magazine, written for the
general public, is a:
a. Professional/Trade Journal
b. Scholarly Journal
c. Popular Periodical/Magazine
What: What is the purpose
of the journal? What is the content
of the journal?
Purpose
|
Content
|
|
Scholarly Journals
|
To
disseminate research findings
|
Detailed
research reports and methodologies
|
Professional/Trade Journals
|
To
publicize current topics in the field and professional issues
|
Trends,
standards, and new technologies in the field
|
Popular Periodicals/ Magazines
|
To
disseminate general information or to entertain
|
General
interest stories and news; may include personal narrative and opinions
|
Question:
Which
of the examples would be the purpose of a scholarly journal?
a.
Inform the reader of the latest celebrity gossip.
b.
Introduce new research findings in genetics.
c.
Discuss current technology trends of mobile phones.
Where: Where is the information referenced from? Is the place where information was found
referenced in the article of the periodical?
References
|
|
Scholarly Journals
|
Includes
reference lists and bibliography. All quotes and facts are documented.
|
Professional/Trade Journals
|
Reference
lists sometimes included.
|
Popular Periodicals/ Magazines
|
References
rarely included.
|
Question: If the article
does not include a list of references, it is a:
a.
Popular Periodical/Magazine
b.
Scholarly Journal
c.
Professional/Trade Journal
How: How is the information communicated in terms of language? How is the information
delivered?
Language
|
Layout
|
|
Scholarly Journals
|
Jargon
that assumes expertise in the field
|
Highly
structured organization; includes abstract, bibliography, charts or graphs
|
Professional/Trade Journals
|
Jargon
that assumes expertise in the field
|
Structured
organization; usually includes abstract, bibliography, charts or graphs
|
Popular Periodicals/ Magazines
|
Language
that requires no expertise
|
Informal
organization: eye-catching type and format; includes illustrations or
photographs
|
Question: If the
vocabulary used in an article is esoteric AND its format is extremely
structured, it is likely a?
a.
Popular Periodical/Magazine
b.
Scholarly Journal
c.
Professional/Trade Journal
Part II: Reducing Cognitive Load—Applying what your Group has Learned
1) Review the following piece of library
instruction: http://tilt.lib.vt.edu/TILT/intro/index.html.
2) Select a section of the material.
3) Describe how you would chunk it to reduce cognitive
load and at least one specific improvement to message design using CARP
principles.
Discussion Questions
1) Did the design and structure of content on blog
complement how the ideas were chunked into sections the types of periodicals?
Please explain your answer.
2) Were you able to better understand the information
from our blog or from the link provided above? Why do you think this is?
3) What do you like/dislike about our organization of
information? Would you have organized the information differently?
4) Each segment of the content is followed by
multiple-choice question. Would this a
good way facilitate a learner learning this information? Why or why not?
