This study investigated how motivational messages with narration affects learners\' cognitive
load. In order to measure the cognitive load, four dependent variables were set: 1) time-on-task,
2) reaction-time, 3) perceived efficiency of cognitive process, and 4) performance task. Three
different experimental conditions were applied: 1) Control group (n=21), 2) Motivational
message group without narration (n=21), and 3) Motivational message group with narration
(n=21). The time-on-task was measured in seconds and the reaction time was measured in 10-4
seconds. The research hypothesis was that the motivational message group with narration
would produce longer time-on-tasks, faster reaction time, higher perceived efficiency of
cognitive process, and better performance task. The results revealed that the motivation
message group with narration showed significantly longer time-on-tasks and perceived
efficiency of cognitive process. However, there were no significant differences of reaction-time
and performance tasks across any treatment conditions. The results of this study showed the
significant impacts of motivational factors on the cognitive load, specifically, mental efforts.
However, it was difficult to yield consistent results of how the motivational factor would have
an impact on task performance, limiting the full acceptance of the research hypothesis. In
addition, it is suggested that there should be further research on how motivational factors are
related to reaction time.