RQ1. How successful are educational applications on tablet computer at directing user’s attention towards intrinsic and germane content? This is achieved by comparing simple and complex applications to determine which of these two approaches to app design is more successful. Successful engagement is operationally defined as user’s (in this case children) (i) attending more to intrinsic and germane content than extraneous content and (ii) self-reporting that they enjoy the content.
RQ2. To what extent does a user’s cognitive ability affect engagement with educational applications? Assess whether a child’s cognitive ability affects how they successfully engage with educational content on tablet computers. Investigate whether or not children with more available short-term memory, working memory, and better attentional control are better able to direct their cognition towards intrinsic and germane content and away from extraneous content?
RQ3. Do application complexity and children’s cognitive ability interact?