Behavioral concept graphic

Cognitive overload

Cognitive overload is a phenomenon in which the information or stimulus presented to an individual surpasses their cognitive capacity. This results in an individual having difficulty processing the information presented to them. Despite one's intellect, there are always limits to how much information the brain can process at once.

Relevant Academic Papers
  • Sweller, J. (1988). Cognitive load during problem solving: Effects on learning. Cognitive science, 12(2), 257-285.