The “Drawing efffect”
The other big area that is vastly unexplored in memory domain is the effect of drawing in memory retention. Let’s unpack why drawing could be your secret weapon in the memory game and explore some of the science behind it.
The Science of the Drawing Effect
The drawing effect is the idea that creating a visual representation of information boosts memory retention more effectively than writing it down. This isn’t just a creative excuse to doodle in class; it’s backed by science. Studies show that drawing engages multiple cognitive processes, including motor skills, visual perception, and memory encoding, which together reinforce learning.
One pivotal study by Wammes, Meade, and Fernandes (2016) found that participants who drew words remembered nearly twice as many as those who just wrote them down. Specifically, recall rates for drawn words were about 50% higher than those for written words. This suggests that drawing can be a powerful tool for improving memory.
How Drawing Enhances Memory
1. Dual Coding Theory: When you draw, you encode information both visually and semantically. This dual coding creates more retrieval cues, making it easier to recall the information later.
2. Deeper Processing: Drawing requires a deeper level of processing. You have to understand the concept to depict it visually, leading to better comprehension and retention.
3. Engagement: Drawing is more engaging and enjoyable for many people than rote memorization, leading to increased focus and motivation.
GAMT harnesses this to the maximum. When you either create GAMT on your own or use GAMT’s from the courses, the simple act of drawing in itself acts as a powerful memory aid. This is beneficial across all age groups.
