What term describes the mental burden that can impair a person's ability to process information during questioning?

The term that accurately describes the mental burden affecting a person's ability to process information during questioning is "cognitive load." This concept refers to the amount of mental effort and resources being used in the working memory at a given time. When cognitive load is high, it can hinder an individual's capacity to concentrate, understand questions, and formulate responses effectively. This is especially relevant in interrogation settings, where the way information is presented and the emotional state of the interviewee can significantly impact their cognitive load.

Cognitive load can increase due to various factors such as the complexity of the questions, the stress of the situation, or the individual’s emotional state. When cognitive resources are overwhelmed, people may struggle to think clearly, recall relevant information, or respond effectively, making it an important consideration in interviews and interrogations.

The other terms provided relate to mental challenges but do not specifically describe the immediate burden on cognitive processing ability during questioning. Mental fatigue pertains to general tiredness and exhaustion in cognitive functions over time. Psychological strain involves more of the emotional and psychological stress a person experiences. Cognitive dissonance refers to the mental discomfort experienced when holding two conflicting beliefs or values, which, while it might affect decision-making and self-reporting, does not directly relate to the immediate processing