Write by hand, increase memory

Experts from the University of Stavanger (Norway) found that the process of putting pen on paper and reading a book seemed to inculcate knowledge into the brain better than using a computer keyboard and monitor.

According to the results published in the Advances in Haptics, the manual writing process requires more mental effort, helping us to record and inculcate memories more than typing on the keyboard.

Professor Anne Mangen said the study has shown that different parts of the brain are stimulated by reading and writing. Since writing by hand takes longer than typing, the temporal part of the brain involved in language can also affect the learning process.

The team is led by GS. Mangen presided over the experiment on two adult groups, in which the participants were tasked with learning an earlier unknown alphabet, about 20 words. One group learns by handwriting, while the other group uses the keyboard.

Six weeks later, the researchers found that the handwritten alphabet group performed better in memory tests.