The post-test multiple choice questions that were used for assessment are of three types, following the post-test of the Chi, Siler, Jeong,
Yamauchi, and Hausmann (2001) study: retention, near transfer, and far transfer, that require students to apply the knowledge attained
from the computer-based cartoon learning environment or the investigators introductory lesson. Thus, the three levels of questions were
used to examine the degree and depth of student learning, such as near or far knowledge transfer. The retention questions simply required
the student to recall information. Those questions could be answered directly by referring to a specific hearing sentence(s) in the story or in
the introductory lesson. An example of a retention question was ‘‘What will you use to measure the volume of a potato? Circle the right
answer’’. For that, students were given three choices: (a) the volumetric jar, (b) the balance, and (c) the volumetric jar on the balance.
The near transfer questions expected students to make inferences. Answers to those questions were indicated in the beginning story but
students also had to integrate them across the hearing sentences. A sample of near transfer question (as described and presented in Fig. 3)
was ‘‘you have three balls of the same volume, one made of iron, one made of cork and one made of gold. Check the table with the densities.
Which ball do you believe has the bigger mass? Choose the right answer.” The question was followed by three options: (a) ball with gold,
(b) ball with cork, and (c) ball with iron.