What does the term "cognitive load" refer to?

Cognitive load refers to the total mental effort utilized in working memory during the process of learning or problem-solving. This concept is central to understanding how our cognitive resources are allocated when we encounter new information or complex tasks. It posits that our working memory has a limited capacity; when the demands placed on it exceed this capacity, the efficiency and effectiveness of processing and understanding information can be compromised.

When engaging with new material, if cognitive load is too high, individuals may struggle to comprehend or retain the information. This can lead to cognitive overload, where the brain is unable to process all the incoming stimuli adequately, making it difficult to learn effectively. It's important to manage cognitive load to optimize learning environments, balancing the complexity of tasks with an individual's ability to process information efficiently.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of cognitive function. While memorization and long-term memory storage are relevant to cognitive processes, they do not specifically encompass the idea of working memory effort. Likewise, the speed of information processing relates to how quickly one can handle tasks, but does not account for the mental effort involved in managing working memory during those tasks.