Input Modality and its Effect on Memory Recall

Abstract

One’s learning performance may be influenced by many internal and external factors. In addition to one’s cognitive ability, matters related to the academic context such as learning materials, contents and instruction can regulate and influence learning performance. The study aimed to examine the effects of different input modalities on learning performance by measuring memory recall success. A total of 96 participants took part in an experimental study employing a between-subject design. They were randomly assigned to one of the three groups that were presented with either visual or auditory or a combination of visual-auditory inputs. In the study phase, the visual input group was asked to read the inputs which were visually presented to them. As for the auditory group, the participants were required to listen to the inputs presented auditorily to them. The visual-auditory group did both simultaneously (seeing and listening to the inputs) as the inputs combined both visual and auditory presentation. In the test phase, they were required to recall words that they could best recall from the study phase. Analysis of ANOVA revealed a statistically significant difference between the different input modalities on the participant’s ability to recall words. It signifies that learning materials that are presented both in audio and visual are better recalled compared to materials learned in a single modality (either visual or audio alone). The modality effect uncovered in the present study has important instructional implications related to the presentation of learning materials to optimise learners’ ability to learn.