and what level of personalization is most effective, in the current experimental series we will compare three versions of a computer-based program (formal, personalized, and personalized by name). We assume that overuse of personalized style (e.g. per-sonalized by name) can negatively affect motivation and learning processes depending on the target population. To answer the ques-tion of whether personalization effects hold for different learning content (issue-specific effects) and to explore the role of emotional aspects, we will vary the learning content (neutral stimulus vs. emotional stimulus). Both stimuli are written either in a formal or a personalized language style (2 2 design). To gain profound and detailed information for explaining effects and non-effects of personalization in computer-based learning, the experimental ser-ies will be combined with semi-structured interviews.
A general direction for future instructional design research is to test which design principles are effective by considering educa-tional objectives and learner profiles. Based on the findings in this study, further work is inevitable to explore the multidimensional circumstances under which personalization effects occur in computer-based learning.