A recent study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology reveals compelling insights into the effects of handwriting versus typing on brain activity. Conducted by researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), the study indicates that while typing may offer speed, it falls short in terms of brain stimulation compared to the act of handwriting.
The research involved 36 university students whose brain activity was monitored while performing writing tasks. Participants were instructed to either write words in cursive using a digital pen on a touchscreen or type the same words using a keyboard.
During the exercise, words like “forest” or “hedgehog” were presented on a screen, and students were given 25 seconds to repeatedly write or type them.
Using a cap fitted with 256 electrodes to measure brain waves, the researchers observed significant differences in brain activation between handwriting and typing tasks.
Audrey van der Meer, co-author of the study and a neuropsychology professor at NTNU, noted that handwriting engaged nearly the entire brain, involving visual, sensory, and motor cortices. In contrast, typing elicited less brain activity, particularly in these crucial areas.
According to van der Meer, handwriting necessitates intricate communication between various parts of the brain, as individuals must visualize letters and execute precise motor movements to form them. Conversely, typing, with its uniform keyboard layout, requires less engagement from the visual and motor cortices.
Handwriting’s Cognitive Impact
While previous studies have underscored the cognitive benefits of handwriting, including enhanced learning and memory, debates persist regarding its superiority over typing, especially in educational settings.
Ramesh Balasubramaniam, a neuroscientist at the University of California, Merced, cautioned that it’s challenging to discern how the observed brain activity translates into practical improvements in learning or memory.
However, a 2022 systematic review from the University of Louisville suggests that handwritten notes may lead to better academic performance.
Analyzing data from 33 studies, the review found that students who took notes by hand outperformed their peers who typed notes on quizzes.
Furthermore, recent research from Japan revealed that handwriting isn’t limited to academic contexts. A study conducted in 2021 found that participants who recorded events on paper calendars exhibited increased brain activity compared to those using smartphones.
Moreover, individuals who wrote in their calendars recalled information faster than those who typed it.
These findings underscore the importance of handwriting not only in academic settings but also in everyday life. From facilitating learning and memory to fostering brain development in children, the act of writing remains a valuable cognitive tool.
