IS Cognitive Load: An Examination of Measurement Convergence

Despite the growth and interest in information processing research, understanding the supporting role of information systems (IS) has been limited. While cognitive processing of information has been examined in learning environments with traditional learning tasks, the investigation of cognitive load within complex simulated IS learning environments has received less attention. Traditional measurement allows for a broad user evaluation of the ISs and actual usage from a holistic perspective; however, detailed synchronous evaluation of cognitive load during the usage of the IS may allow for more accurate assessment of how system features influence cognitive load and subsequent performance outcomes. Therefore, this research attempts to integrate traditional subjective and physiological measurements to examine cognitive load within a dynamic simulated IS learning environment. This research study focuses on how subjective and objective physiological (galvanic skin response (GSR), heart rate variability (HRV), and electroencephalography (EEG) measures of cognitive load compare in simulated IS training environments.