What is the relationship between the WMM and cognitive load theory?

• A. They are unrelated theories
• B. WMM is about short-term memory only; cognitive load is about long-term memory
• C. Both address capacity limits; WMM specifics vs CLT load types
• D. Cognitive load theory contradicts WMM

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is how two theories relate through the idea that cognitive processing has limited capacity. The working memory model maps a structured, finite workspace—the central executive coordinates, with the phonological loop and visuospatial sketchpad holding different kinds of information, all bounded in how much can be held and manipulated at once. Cognitive load theory looks at how the demands of a learning task strain that same workspace and divides load into intrinsic (task complexity and element interactivity), extraneous (how information is presented), and germane (effort to build schemas). The connection is that both are about capacity limits: the WMM explains where those limits come from in terms of memory components, while CLT explains how to design tasks to stay within those limits and optimize learning. They’re complementary, guiding how to manage different kinds of load so that the brain’s working memory isn’t overwhelmed.