Identifying Cognitive Load in a Computer Game: An exploratory study of young children

There has been considerable interest in measuring cognitive load. While researchers use retrospective think aloud methods to gauge an individuals cognitive load, others have expressed concerns about the reliability of think aloud methods. Moreover, others have expressed concerns about the reliability of using think-aloud methods with young children. This article provides evidence of non-invasive psycho-physiological tools that can be used to measure the cognitive load of young children. The authors employ eye-tracking technology to measure the players cognitive load through changes in endogenous blinks and fixations. Our process finds significant changes in cognitive load between childrens first and second attempts at playing puzzle-based computer games. The results of the study provide game developers with tools that indicate when users struggle with the information or content in a computer game.