Cognitive Scaffold

Preparing your thinking workspace

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MENTAL MODEL · M2655

Extraneous Cognitive Load

Extraneous Cognitive Load
Learn & MetacognitionHigh supportCognitive Science
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

Refers to the extra cognitive burden caused by poor instructional design, environmental distractions, or bad information presentation (e.g., cluttered PPT layouts, noise). It does not contribute to learning and only hinders it.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Eliminate distractions. When learning or working, our goal is to minimize extraneous load (minimal environment, clear instructions) and leave limited mental capacity for core tasks.

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Extraneous cognitive load is one of the three types of cognitive load, referring to the extra working memory occupied by improper presentation of materials (cluttered layout, irrelevant information). It does not contribute to learning and should be minimized.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

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    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_loadZH · Explicit
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