In cognitive psychology, why are images and videos often considered more effective than verbal descriptions alone when explaining complex concepts?

• A. Because visual aids eliminate the need for any explanation or discussion.
• B. Because visual information can enhance memory and understanding by engaging multiple cognitive processes.
• C. Because verbal descriptions are not capable of conveying any information.
• D. Because images and videos are always more entertaining than verbal descriptions.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the role of cognitive psychology in studying how people process information, including how different types of stimuli (visual vs. verbal) affect learning and memory.
2. Step 2: Recognize that images and videos engage multiple cognitive processes simultaneously, such as visual perception, attention, and memory encoding, which can enhance understanding.
3. Step 3: Consider the dual-coding theory, which suggests that information presented both visually and verbally is more likely to be remembered because it is encoded in two different ways.
4. Step 4: Analyze why verbal descriptions alone might be less effective, noting that they rely solely on linguistic processing and may not engage as many cognitive pathways as visual aids.
5. Step 5: Conclude that visual aids are often more effective because they complement verbal information, making complex concepts easier to grasp and remember by leveraging multiple cognitive systems.