Do Higher Levels of Arousal Predict Better Learning? An Investigation of Learning and Physiological Responses

Abstract: The ability to connect new information to relevant, previously acquired knowledge can facilitate comprehension and memory. This study shows that the addition of person knowledge, or knowledge organized around familiar people, in the design of learning materials has the potential to improve learning while decreasing the amount of effort and attention exerted by the learner; this is measured through skin conductance levels as a physiological correlate of attention. Findings provide explanatory evidence for why peoplefocused methodologies, such as video cases or written case studies, contribute to longer-term benefits and improved learning. Introduction and Purpose of Study It is well known that the ability to connect new information to relevant, previously acquired knowledge can facilitate comprehension and memory (e.g. Bransford & Johnson, 1972; Dooling & Lachman, 1971). Much of this work has involved connections of new knowledge to previously acquired scripts or schemas such as “washing clothes ” (e.g. Bransford & Johnson, 1972). The ability to elaborate and generate self-explanations has also bee