SHIFTING THE COGNITIVE BURDEN: AI-MEDIATED REDUCTION OF COGNITIVE LOAD IN FUNCTIONAL WRITTEN DISCOURSE

Authors

  • Dr. Farah Zaib Lecturer, Department of English Linguistics, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan Author

Keywords:

Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cognitive Load Theory (CLT), ESL Writing, Functional Discourse, Extraneous Load

Abstract

In the linguistically demanding landscape of Pakistani higher education, the mastery of English-medium 
functional discourse often imposes a prohibitive mental burden on students. Applying the theoretical 
framework of Sweller's Cognitive Load Theory (CLT), this study utilises a quantitative, cross-sectional 
approach (N=385) to evaluate the role of generative AI as a cognitive intermediary in academic and 
professional composition. The research investigates the impact of AI tools on the "functional written 
discourse" of undergraduate and postgraduate students, specifically focusing on the optimisation of 
cognitive resources. The findings reveal a transformative reduction across three primary cognitive 
dimensions. First, addressing the functional utility and linguistic mechanics of writing, participants 
reported the highest reduction in Extraneous Load (Mean=4.41), with over 90% of students agreeing that 
AI effectively manages complex gr

Downloads

Published

2026-03-31

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 01 (2026): (JALT)

Section

Articles