<p>This thesis explores the Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) framework with health professions education research, and applies the principles of CLT to one specific area of health professions education: the acquisition of cardiac and respiratory auscultation and physical assessment skill in undergraduate nursing students. The first study evaluates context-based learning environments on the acquisition of auscultation skill and physical assessment performance. Results suggest that for novice level students, high-context-based learning environments may contribute to extraneous cognitive load and may not be beneficial for learning. The next cluster of studies evaluates auscultation test performance following manipulation of cognitive load variables. The interleaving approach instruction was found to be most helpful for auscultation test performance. The series of studies conducted in this thesis demonstrate a useful direction for health professions research and promotes the use of cognitive load theory as a framework for instructional design and evaluation.</p> / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)