Behavioral concept graphic

Cognitive overload

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

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