- Primary task measurement, which assesses performance on a single assigned task
- Secondary task measurement, which assesses the performance on a primary and secondary task that are simultaneously completed

Boston University

- Analytical Methods (directed at measuring mental load): expert opinion, mathematical models, task analysis
- Empirical Methods (directed at measuring mental effort): rating scales, performance dating utilizing primary and secondary task techniques, and psychophysiological data
- Empirical Methods generally used more often

Analytical and Empirical Methods for Measuring Cognitive Load

Fred Paas, Juhani E. Tuovinen, Huib Tabbers & Pascal W. M. Van Gerven (2003) Cognitive Load Measurement as a Means to Advance Cognitive Load Theory, Educational Psychologist, 38:1, 63-71, DOI: 10.1207/S15326985EP3801_8

Cognitive Load Measurement Reference

Measuring...
- Heart activity (heart rate variability)
- Brain activity (task-evoked brain potentials)
- Eye activity (pupillary dilation, blink rate)
- Heart rate variability an overly-intrusive and relatively unreliable method for measuring cognitive load
- Mean pupil dilation useful for measuring cognitive load, especially in young adults

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