De Jong (2010) points out that cognitive load theory is used to suggest guidelines for instructional design, which assumes that CLT research results are applicable to real-life situations, which de Jong questions. For example, de Jong cites several recent studies that could not find support for the modality principal when learner control is increased. In response to de Jong’s article, Mayer(2010b) responds that criticism such as de Jong’s is welcome and can only strengthen the cognitive theory of multimedia learning as weaknesses are exposed and researched in ways that contribute to the on-going evolution of the theory.