Offloading Complexity: Effects of Cognitive Offloading in a Problem Solving Task
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: Cognitive offloading describes the process of outsourcing mental processes into some physical action or some kind of tool. This has been found to reduce learning and memory performance in previous research. This study assumes an interaction between effects of offloading and task complexity. Offloading is thought to aid the learning of overly complex material that would otherwise overtax working memory. If the task is less demanding and does not put a high load on working memory, offloading is thought to lead to a reduction in invested mental effort and thus have a negative effect on learning. The study examines these assumptions in a 2 (offloading vs no offloading) x 2 (low complexity vs high complexity) design in a problem solving scenario. Participants complete a training phase consisting of eight logical problems which vary according to the four different conditions. After the training phase, learning is assessed as well as the (far) transfer of underlying problem structure and respective solving strategies.
Source: OSF Preprints (OSF Preprints)
Authors: Laura Ragab, Hauke S. Meyerhoff
Language: English
Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7167650143