Assessing the effectiveness of a multimedia-based lab for upper division psychology students

The efficacy of multimedia-based training in producing increased learning was evaluated. Two multimedia software packages were compared with live or videotaped lectures on the same material. Results differed by type of student (low or high initial knowledge) and type of program. Multimedia training programs may need to provide more aid to students with less initial knowledge in the training domain. In addition, the effects of multimedia may be subtle and therefore require rigorous evaluation.