Dual Coding Theory

            Dual Coding Theory was first proposed by Allan Pavio, a professor of psychology at the University of Western Ontario. It states that human cognition deals with both verbal and nonverbal elements. In dual coding theory verbal units are referred to as logogens and nonverbal units as imagens. Humans ordinarily have difficulty concentrating on more than one verbal or nonverbal strand of information.

Thus, the theory suggests that humans may learn best by combining both elements. Conversely, combining multiple verbal or visual aids may serve to frustrate the learner and make it more difficult.  For example one might look at a picture of something while being told information about it. This approach would work better than being shown multiple pictures or listening to multiple auditory devices. Verbal elements of learning are enhanced when combined with visual ones and visual elements are enhanced when combined with verbal ones.

References:

Dual coding theory (a. paivio). (n.d.). Retrieved from http://tip.psychology.org/paivio.html

Sunny, C. (n.d.). Allan paivo dual coding theory . Retrieved from http://www.lifecircles-inc.com/Learningtheories/IP/paivio.html