Compared to writing on a tablet, using paper stimulates brain activity more.
- Cerebral stimulation linked to writing on paper contributes to the improvement of memory capacities
- The use of paper would be preferred for activities requiring creativity
To stimulate your memory, prefer paper: this is the subject of a study by the University of Tokyo published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience. In their research, they find that writing on paper stimulates more brain activity, which helps improve memory skills.Paper is more elaborate and more useful compared to electronic documents because it contains more information which implies more work of memorization“, explains Kuniyoshi L. Sakai, neuroscientist and author of this research.
Tasks done faster
48 people were recruited for this study, before starting the experiment, they all took memory tests. Then they read a fictional conversation between characters. They told each other their plans for the next two months: this exchange contained different dates and appointments. According to the groups, the researchers then asked them to write down the information on paper, on a tablet or on a smartphone. “There was no time limit”specify the scientists in their study. One hour after the end of the transcription, followed by a break and an intermediate exercise to distract the participants, a multiple-choice questionnaire was provided to them to assess their memorization of the characters’ schedules. This exercise took 11 minutes for the participants who used the paper notebook, 14 minutes for those who used the tablet and 16 minutes for the group who used a smartphone. “Volunteers who used paper completed the task 25% faster, compared to tablets“, analyze the researchers.
Better brain performance
The participants then underwent an MRI to determine their level of brain activity. “Volunteers who used the paper had more brain activity in areas associated with language, imaginary visualization and in the hippocampus, an area important for memorization and orientation in space“, they continue. According to them, writing on paper is richer in information, which stimulates memory more. “Digital tools have a uniform system of scrolling up and down, layout and size of images, like on a web pageemphasizes Kuniyoshi L. Sakai. But if you try to remember text printed on paper, you can close your eyes and see the image, like the notes you took in the margins..”
Paper, an ally for creativity
Japanese scientists want to send a message: “PFor the information you want to learn or memorize, use paper notebooks!“Similarly, if you want to have creative activities, they recommend favoring paper.”For drawing, composing music or any other creative work, I recommend using paper rather than digital tools“, indicates the Japanese scientist. Failing that, you can always use the digital tools allowing you to personalize your documents: highlight, underline, circle, draw, etc.
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