The interaction effect between age and signalling on retention of visual information

The purpose of this study is to investigate how well individuals remember presented visual information as the initial step in the processing of visual information. Specifically, we seek to explore the influence of age and whether visual signals aid in visual information memory. Korean 136 college and graduate students received two kinds of image sets (complex & simple) to investigate the effect of visual signals. The group with visual signal scored significantly (r² = 0.515 for complex image; r² = 0.040 for simple image) higher than the group without visual signal on a retention test. the group in their 20s scored significantly (r² = 0.153 for complex image; r² = 0.098 for simple image) higher than the group in their 30 over on a retention test. There was significant interaction effect between visual signals and age (r² = 0.165 for complex image; r² = 0.260 for simple image) on a retention test. Visual signals were found to be beneficial for remembering complex images, regardless of age. From a practical perspective, the findings of this study offer insights for the development of multimedia educational materials. Specifically, it emphasizes areas to be considered when using visual information exclusively, enabling learners to focus on their studies without unnecessary cognitive resource usage.