Digital Marketing Trends

In the digital age, the art of handwriting may seem like a relic of the past. Yet, numerous studies suggest that the traditional method of taking notes by hand could offer significant cognitive benefits over typing on a computer or phone.

Research published in the journal “Psychonomic Bulletin & Review” found that students who took notes by hand were more successful at recalling facts from a lecture than those who typed their notes. This finding aligns with a broader body of research suggesting that the physical act of writing can enhance our ability to retain and recall information.

One possible explanation for this phenomenon is that handwriting requires a higher level of cognitive processing than typing. When we write by hand, we engage more parts of our brain, which can help to embed the information more deeply in our memory. Furthermore, because we can’t write as fast as someone can speak, we’re forced to summarize and paraphrase the information, which can lead to a deeper understanding of the material.

So, the next time you’re preparing to take notes for a lecture or meeting, consider reaching for a pen and paper instead of your laptop or phone. You might just find that your recall and understanding of the material improves.