Contiguity Principle #1

Principle #1: Place Printed Words Near Corresponding Graphics.

What it is?

What is the first principle in the contiguity theory? Basically it's the idea that if printed words refer to on screen graphics those words should be next to the corresponding graphics. There are many violations that can be associated with this principle. Some of the biggest violations are having texts placed at the bottom of the screen far away from the graphics and having feedback that is displayed on a separate screen from what the what is being asked.

Examples:

This example below show the first corresponding theory very well. As you can see the words the correspond with the graphic are placed right next to it. It the texts had been away from the image this would have been an example of how the corresponding principle is not to be used. Because the labels for the parts of the brain are physically near the parts of the brain this is a great example of the corresponding theory. The second image shows an improper use of the corresponding theory. Because the parts are physically separated from the image this is a clear violation of the corresponding.  

References:

Contiguity Principle - Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning

https://sites.google.com/site/cognitivetheorymmlearning/contiguity-principle

Clark, R. C., & Mayer, R. E. (2003). E-Learning and the science of instruction: Proven guidelines for consumers and designers of multimedia learning.