@article{KuehlFehringerMuenzer2022,
  author    = {K{\"u}hl, Tim and Fehringer, Benedict C. O. F. and M{\"u}nzer, Stefan},
  title     = {Unifying the ability-as-compensator and ability-as-enhancer hypotheses},
  series = {Educational psychology review},
  volume    = {34},
  journal   = {Educational psychology review},
  number    = {2},
  publisher = {Springer},
  address   = {New York},
  issn      = {1040-726X},
  doi       = {10.1007/s10648-021-09650-5},
  pages     = {1063 -- 1095},
  year      = {2022},
  abstract  = {Spatial abilities have been found to interact with the design of visualizations in educational materials in different forms: (1) spatial abilities enhanced learning with optimized visual design (ability-as-enhancer) or (2) spatial abilities compensated for suboptimal visual design (ability-as-compensator). A brief review of pertinent studies suggests that these two forms are viewed as mutually exclusive. We propose a novel unifying conceptualization. This conceptualization suggests that the ability-as enhancer interaction will be found in the low-medium range of a broad ability continuum whereas the ability-as-compensator interaction will be found in the medium-high range. The largest difference in learning outcomes between visual design variations is expected for medium ability. A corresponding analytical approach is suggested that includes nonlinear quadratic interactions. The unifying conceptualization was confirmed in an experiment with a consistent visual-spatial task. In addition, the conceptualization was investigated with a reanalysis of pooled data from four multimedia learning experiments. Consistent with the conceptualization, quadratic interactions were found, meaning that interactions depended on ability range. The largest difference between visual design variations was obtained for medium ability, as expected. It is concluded that the unifying conceptualization is a useful theoretical and methodological approach to analyze and interpret aptitude-treatment interactions that go beyond linear interactions.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{KuehlMuenzer2021,
  author    = {K{\"u}hl, Tim and M{\"u}nzer, Stefan},
  title     = {Learning about a serious disease},
  series = {Journal of computer assisted learning : JCAL},
  volume    = {37},
  journal   = {Journal of computer assisted learning : JCAL},
  number    = {5},
  publisher = {Wiley-Blackwell},
  address   = {Oxford [u.a.]},
  issn      = {0266-4909},
  doi       = {10.1111/jcal.12571},
  pages     = {1312 -- 1323},
  year      = {2021},
  abstract  = {According to the personalization principle, addressing learners by means of a personalized compared to a nonpersonalized message can foster learning. Interestingly, though, a recent study found that the personalization principle can invert for aversive contents. The present study investigated whether the negative effect of a personalized message for an aversive content can be compensated when learners are in a happy mood. It was hypothesized that the negative effect of a personalized compared to a nonpersonalized message would only be observable for participants in a sad mood, while for participants in a happy mood a personalized message should be beneficial. A 2 x 2 between-subject design with mood (happy vs. sad) and personalization (personalized vs. nonpersonalized message) was used (N = 125 University students). Mood was experimentally varied prior to learning. Learning outcomes were measured by a retention and a transfer test. Results were essentially in line with the assumption: For participants in the sad mood condition, a negative effect of a personalized message was observable for retention and transfer. For participants in the happy mood condition, a positive effect of personalized message was observable for retention, but no effect for transfer. Note that the manipulation check measure for the mood induction procedure did not detect differences between conditions; this may be due to a shortcoming of the used measure (as indicated by an additional evaluation study). The study emphasizes the importance to consider the inherent emotional content of a topic, such as its aversive nature, since the emotional content of a topic can be a boundary condition for design principles in multimedia learning. The study also highlights the complex interplay of externally induced and inherently arising emotions.},
  language  = {en}
}