We compared multimedia and traditional teaching approaches. In contrast with previous findings, we observed that a multimedia class performed poorly early in the term but slightly exceeded a traditional class toward the end of the term. More important, we documented an interaction between class format and student learning style. Our results suggest that multimedia benefits students with a high visual orientation.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
ChildersT. L.HoustonM. J.HecklerS. E. (1985). Measurement of individual differences in visual versus verbal information processing. Journal of Consumer Research, 12, 125–134.
2.
FreyD. K. (1994). Analysis of students' perceptual styles and their use of multimedia. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 79, 643–649.
3.
HecklerS. E.ChildersT. L.HoustonM. J. (1993). On the construct validity of the SOP scale. Journal of Mental Imagery, 17, 119–132.
4.
KulikJ. A.KulikC. L. C. (1987). Review of recent research literature on computer-based instruction. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 12, 222–230.
5.
LeeA. Y.GillanD. J.HarrisonC. L. (1996). Assessing the effectiveness of a multimedia-based lab for upper division psychology students. Behavior Research Methods, Instruments & Computers, 28, 295–299.
6.
LudwigT. E. (1996). PsychSim 4.0: Interactive graphic simulations for psychology [Computer software]. New York: Worth.
7.
MayerR. E. (1997). Multimedia learning: Are we asking the right questions?Educational Psychologist, 32, 1–19.
8.
McNeilB. J.NelsonK. R. (1991). Meta-analysis of interactive video instruction: A 10-year review of achievement effects. Journal of Computer-Based Instruction, 18, 1–6.
9.
PettyL. C.RosenE. F. (1990). Increase in mastery levels using a computer-based tutorial/simulation in experimental psychology. Behavior Research Methods, Instruments & Computers, 22, 216–218.
10.
RayJ. J. (1979). A quick measure of achievement motivation: Validated in Australia and reliable in Britain and South Africa. Australian Psychologist, 14, 337–344.
11.
SekulerR. (1996). Teaching sensory processes with multimedia: One of my teaching assistants is a mouse. Behavior Research Methods, Instruments & Computers, 28, 282–285.
12.
WelshJ. A.NullC. H. (1991). The effects of computer-based instruction on college students' comprehension of classic research. Behavior Research Methods, Instruments & Computers, 23, 301–305.
13.
WorthingtonE. L.Jr.WelshJ. A.ArcherC. R.MindesE. J.ForsythD. R. (1996). Computer-assisted instruction as a supplement to lectures in an introductory psychology class. Teaching of Psychology, 23, 175–181.
