What is commonly used to describe a heavy mental or cognitive burden imposed by a task?

Cognitive load is the term used to describe the mental effort and cognitive resources required to complete a task. It reflects the idea that when a task demands a significant amount of mental resources, it can lead to mental fatigue and limit the ability to process information or perform additional tasks effectively. The concept is crucial in understanding how individuals work on complex tasks, as high cognitive load can impair thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

Altruism refers to selfless concern for the well-being of others, which does not relate to the mental demands of a task. Belief perseverance pertains to the tendency to stick to one's initial beliefs even when faced with contrary evidence, which is more about attitude and belief systems than the cognitive burden of task-related activities. The bystander effect explains how individuals are less likely to offer help in emergencies when others are present but does not address cognitive or mental workload. Thus, cognitive load is the most accurate term to describe the heavy mental burden associated with completing demanding tasks.