Lab to Table Science: A Preliminary Study on Promoting Effective Dissemination of Research Findings

In this research project, instructional multimedia tools that assist scientific findings from laboratories to arrive directly at an audience’s “table” are investigated. The research aims at providing new approaches to improve scientific dissemination using instructional multimedia and online communication platforms. Current studies hold importance due to rapid changes in communication technology and the deterioration of accessible truthful information. Eight principles that are essential for instructional design in multimedia are introduced. In consideration of these principles, two different instructional videos were prepared using a 2016 neurobiology research paper on learning and memory in newborn domestic chickens. One video was prepared in the light of these principles while the other version was adjusted in a contradicting manner. To inspect the difference in the quality of the two videos and learning outcomes, an online survey was prepared and administered to 125 participants. Results revealed that participants enjoyed their learning experience more when they were watching the well-designed version of the video. However, the analysis also revealed the limitations of secondary language learning and cognitive load. Overall, viewer satisfaction and comprehension were found to be greater when instructional multimedia was administered in agreement with the cognitive capacity and preferences of the human brain.