The Modality and Redundancy Principles: Clark and Mayer

How much information is to much? 

When looking into the "Modality Principle" and the "Redundancy Principle" by Clark and Mayer, I started to make some personal connections to the concept. When I have spare time, I enjoy watching superhero movies and television shows with my family. When I would go into the family room, my wife would have subtitles on the movie or tv show while it was playing, and I HATE subtitles. I now have realized why! 

The Modality Principle explains that it is better to use narration with images alone to enhance/explain information. When using this principle correctly cognitive overload will not happen. (pg. 120 Clark and Mayer)

The Redundancy Principle explains that your brain cannot handle multiple pathways of complex information coming at you at the same time. (Pg 133 Clark and Mayer.)You will not absorb it. Adding images, written words, with auditory narration to any presentation, is to much for most of our brains to handle. We need to think of our brains as a broadband internet connection with a limited capacity for upload and download of information. As much as we don't want to admit it, our brains do have limits and we should appreciate and cater to that fact!  

(pg 138. Clark and Mayer)

Honestly, I think we can all benefit from learning about these concepts in our daily lives. Both of these concepts can be put into practice by any profession. As a teacher I use these principles everyday and try not to overload my students as they are already inundated with multimedia devices. The intended audience can be anyone you are trying to present information too. The audience could be anyone from a novice on the topic to a more advanced professional. 

Below is a link to my video presentation where I explain this in a more colorful and redundant way ;) !  

 Redundancy Principle Presentation