How much information is too much at once?

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In summary: It would be interesting to know more about the person in question and what information they are taking in. A very good point. It would be interesting to know more about the person in question and what information they are taking in.
  • #1
themadquark
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Hello, I am currently attempting to improve my math skills, understanding of modern physics, and extend my knowledge of two "coding" languages. One thing that has been at the back of my mind, and has been quite bothersome lately is that I am taking in too much at once. While I haven't been forgetting much information at all, in fact less than most people, it still remains a stress. This brings me to my question -- is studying this much at once, not necessarily all in one day, but varied days throughout a week too much to handle and remember? Or am I fine as long as I consistently practice and attempt to use the new information I have taken in?
EDIT: I ask this here as I hope somewhat that somebody could provide a neuroscientific or psychological answer.
 
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  • #2
You are asking for an objective answer to a question that only has a subjective answer. If it is too much for you, then it is too much for you. If not, then not.
 
  • #3
phinds said:
You are asking for an objective answer to a question that only has a subjective answer. If it is too much for you, then it is too much for you. If not, then not.
Are you saying that there is no limit for how much you can learn at once and it depends on the person?
 
  • #4
adjacent said:
Are you saying that there is no limit for how much you can learn at once and it depends on the person?

No, I would think that there has to be a limit to how much information can be taken in by that person in the world who is absolutely the most able (even if only by a trivial increase over the next-most-able) to take in information.

What I AM saying is that the amount of information that can be taken in (not even considering retention) will vary from person to person and they amount of information that can MEANINGFULLY be taken in will vary from person to person, and there would not necessarily be a 1 to 1 correspondence between the two..

SO ... I consider that question to require a subjective answer since the OP asked it about himself
 
  • #5
also depends on what information the person is taking in, some people have a stronger aptitude for math, others for visual images, others sound.
 
  • #6
Mordred said:
also depends on what information the person is taking in, some people have a stronger aptitude for math, others for visual images, others sound.

A very good point.
 

1. How can we determine the optimal amount of information to present at once?

The optimal amount of information to present at once depends on various factors such as the complexity of the information, the audience, and the purpose of the presentation. One approach is to use the "Rule of 7", which suggests that humans can only hold about 7 pieces of information in their working memory at once. Therefore, it is recommended to limit the amount of information to 7 chunks or less.

2. Can presenting too much information at once be overwhelming for the audience?

Yes, presenting too much information at once can be overwhelming for the audience. When the brain is bombarded with a large amount of information, it can lead to cognitive overload and make it difficult for the audience to process and retain the information. This can result in confusion, frustration, and disengagement.

3. Are there any negative consequences of presenting too much information at once?

Yes, there can be negative consequences of presenting too much information at once. It can lead to information overload, which can cause cognitive fatigue and decrease the overall comprehension and retention of the information. It can also result in decision paralysis, where the audience is unable to make a decision due to being overwhelmed with too much information.

4. How can we prevent presenting too much information at once?

To prevent presenting too much information at once, it is important to focus on the key points and avoid unnecessary details. Use visual aids, such as charts and graphs, to present complex information in a more digestible format. It is also helpful to break up the information into smaller chunks and allow for breaks or pauses to give the audience time to process and retain the information.

5. Is there a difference in how much information can be presented in different formats?

Yes, there is a difference in how much information can be presented in different formats. For example, a presentation with slides can typically present more information than a video or a live demonstration. This is because the audience can read the information at their own pace and refer back to it if needed. However, it is still important to consider the attention span and cognitive load of the audience when determining the amount of information to present in any format.

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