Cognitive load theory has recently been the subject of criticism regarding its conceptual
clarity (Schnotz and Ku¨rschner 2007) and methodological approaches (Gerjets et al.
2009a). The current article follows this line of thinking. It explores the boundaries of
cognitive load theory by presenting a number of questions concerning its foundations, by
discussing a number of methodological issues, and by examining the consequences for
instructional design. The core of the literature reviewed consists of the 35 most frequently
cited articles, with ‘‘cognitive load’’ as a descriptor, taken from the Web of Science areas
‘‘educational psychology’’ and ‘‘education and educational research’’. (The virtual H-Index
for ‘‘cognitive load’’ in these categories was 35.) These have been supplemented with a
selection of recent articles on cognitive load from major journals. The current article
concludes by suggesting a role for cognitive load theory in educational theory, research,
and design.