The effect of working memory capacity and emotional design on engagement with multimedia learning material

The purpose of this research is to examine the effect of working memory capacity (WMC) and MLM types with ED on engagement to MLM and learning. The research is planned as two sub-studies. In the first study, MLMs with positive and negative ED features were prepared. The prepared MLMs were evaluated by university students (N=586) in terms of the valence dimension of core affect. The second study was conducted with a 2x2 factorial design (WMC: low and high; MLM type: positive and negative). Firstly, studying at faculty of education, students' WMCs (N=225) were measured. Then, students were classified as high and low WMC by 27% lower and upper group analysis. These two groups were also divided into two subgroups. Respectively; Beck depression inventory (BDI), positive or negative MLM, engagement to MLM scale and learning test were applied. Two-way ANOVA was performed by excluding the data of students with and depression tendencies (BDI>17). As a result; while WMC had a statistically significant main effect in favor of the higher group on engagement to MLM and its sub-dimensions (cognitive, emotional and behavioral engagement), there was no significant main effect of MLM type and interaction between WMC and MLM type. However, there was no significant main effects of WMC and MLM type, and interaction between WMC and MLM type on learning test.