Impact of Simplified Instructional Language on Task Performance Accuracy

Abstract

Instructional language is a central component of task performance across educational, workplace, and training environments. As tasks become increasingly digital and self-directed, the clarity and cognitive accessibility of instructions strongly influence user success. Simplified instructional language—characterized by reduced syntactic complexity, minimized jargon, explicit sequencing, and straightforward vocabulary—has become widely adopted to improve usability. This article examines how simplified instructional language affects task performance accuracy. Drawing on theories from cognitive psychology, linguistics, and instructional design, the discussion highlights how linguistic simplification reduces cognitive load, increases comprehension, and facilitates error-free execution. The article argues that simplified language is beneficial for diverse users, including novices, multilingual participants, and individuals operating in time-constrained or high-stress environments. It concludes by outlining implications for instructional design and future research on language optimization in complex task settings.