Spatial Contiguity

Spatial Contiguity

Recognizing Clark and Mayer's multimedia principles in learning design

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Spatial Contiguity

Of all of our multimedia principles, contiguity is one of the most powerful

Clark and Mayer define the spatial contiguity principle as 'on-screen printed words should be placed near the part of the on-screen graphics to which they refer" (Clark & Mayer 2024)

NOT THIS

THIS

Daisy, Sunflower, Hyacinth

Daisy

(Clark & Mayer, 2024)

Strong Multimedia Example

Study Hall does a great job of following Mayer's Multimedia Principles. Click below to see two key moments of the Spatial Contiguity Prinicple in action!

Spatial Contiguity In Action!

Spatial Contiguity Principle In Action

Click below to read WHY Study Hall's video "Getting to Know Your Brain" does a great job utilizing this principle.

Example 2

Example 1

"corresponding graphics and printed words be placed near each other on the screen (that is, contiguous in space)" (Clark & Mayer, 2024).

"relocate the text closer to the corresponding part of the visual, as well as to insert lines to connect the text and visual" (Clark & Mayer, 2024).

Analysis

The Spatial Contiguity Prinicple works becuase it supports connection and "Rather than being copy machines that record incoming information, humans are sense-makers who try to see the meaningful relations between words and pictures" (Clark & Mayer, 2024) Placement matters and can positively impact knowledge transfer and retention by minimizing cognitive load.

Image 2 shows how to modify the Spatial Contiguity Prinicple when the image may be too small to fit the corresponding text within it. In this image the text is still close to the image, but they have used an arrow and line to indicate the exact placement, rather than list at the bottom or utilize a visual key, which could add to the cognitive load.

Image 1 shows the optimal placement for text and graphics, becuase thier placement adds to understanding. In this scene the vocabulary word appears next to the part of the image it corresponds too, signaling to the learner where to look.

Clark, R. C., & Mayer, R. E. (2024). E-Learning and the science of instruction : proven guidelines or consumers and designers of multimedia learning (5th ed.).John Wiley & Sons. Hall, S. (Host). (2024, June 4). Gting to know your brain | introduction to psychology 5 of 30 | study hall [Video podcast episode]. In Study Hall. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=KylhF1r2nmo&list=PLID58IQe16nF0d4qQuf-qGbhuqcRpiQi4&index=6&t=190s Kurt, S., Dr. (2024, November 13). Mayer's principles of multimedia learning. Educational Technology. https://educationaltechnology.net/mayers-principles-of-multimedia-learning/

References