Keywords
Static Images, Interactive Images, Cognitive Load, Comprehension, Memory, Engagement
Abstract
Static images routinely accompany text in educational sources such as textbooks, articles, and websites to convey complex, educational information. These are generally effective; however, current technology allows for interactive images that seem to enhance engagement. How effective are these interactive images? The present study investigated whether an interactive image produced better learning outcomes compared to a static image using the same text. Specifically, this study examined whether interactive images affected comprehension, memory, engagement, and cognitive load differently than static images. In this study, data from 153 college student participants were analyzed. First, participants were assigned to read about the neuropsychology of sleep in 1 of 2 conditions: an interactive image of the brain for which they clicked on parts of the image to read text corresponding to that area of the brain or 2) a static image of the brain with areas identified by text. Then, they completed five questionnaires to measure cognitive load, intrinsic motivation, recall, and comprehension. A one-way, multivariate between-subjects analysis of variance was conducted to determine if the type of image affected students’ learning outcomes. A statistically significant difference was found for extraneous cognitive load between the two conditions, with the interactive condition resulting in less extraneous cognitive load. The findings of this study contribute to understanding what type of images facilitate student learning and may assist educators in selecting optimal content.
Thesis Completion Year
2025
Thesis Completion Semester
Fall
Thesis Chair
Dr. Shannon Whitten
College
College of Sciences
Department
Department of Psychology
Thesis Discipline
Psychology, Human Factors
Language
English
Access Status
Open Access
Length of Campus Access
None
Campus Location
Orlando (Main) Campus
STARS Citation
Schwartz, Noah, "Comparing Interactive Versus Static Educational Images On Student Learning Outcomes" (2025). Honors Undergraduate Theses. 457.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hut2024/457