Allan Paivio andDual Coding Theory

Eric Langhorst – Walden University – EdD Student – September 2009EDUC – 8140 – 7 - “Leadership for Today’s Schools”Instructor – Jerita Whaley

Allan Paivio•Born December 1, 1941

•Professor of Psychology at University of Western

Ontario

•Author of Dual Coding Theory

Origins of Theory•Paivio had subjects recall a list of

words and a list of pictures

•Pictures and words were recalled in a different order

•Theory we process information in two separate channels

Audio Channel Visual Channel

Dual Coding Theory•Theory of cognition which states both visual and verbal information is processed separately

Example•Watching a television show with video footage of a rainforest while describing how the ecosystem works

Anderson & Bower(1973)

•Verbal information can be enhanced when paired with a

visual image, real or imagined.

Stone & Glock(1981)

•College students were given written assembly instruction

•Fewer errors when shown pictures with text

Levie & Lentz(1982)

•Children learned more from text that was presented with illustrations

•Learning increased by one-third with illustrations

Mayer & Sims (1994)•Multimedia can be effective when used for education but only if used

in appropriate ways

OR X

Idea #1

•Use words and pictures rather than just words alone

TEXT

Idea #2

•Present pictures and corresponding words or narrations close together in

space or time

TEXT TEXT TEXT

TEXT TEXT

Idea #3

•Minimize irrelevant details

•only display the most important information

Idea #4

•Present words as speech rather than on-screen text

Implications•Incorporating the dual coding theory with the proper technology can make the educational process more powerful

References•Anderson, J. R., & Bower, G. H. (1973). Human associative memory. Washington, DC: Winston.

•Levie, W. H., & Lentz, R. (1982). Effects of text illustrations: A review of research. Educational Communication and Technology Journal, 26, 233-243.

•Mayer, R. E., & Sims, V.K. (1994). For whom is a picture worth a thousand words? Extensions of a dual-coding theory of multimedia learning. Journal of Educational Psychology, 86(3), 389-401.

•Paivio, A. (1991). Dual coding theory: Retrospect and current status. Canadian Journal of Psychology, 45, 255-287.

•Stone, D., & Glock, M. (1981). How do young adults read directions with and without pictures? Journal of Educational Psychology, 73, 419-426.