Study reveals drawing enhances word retention, according to Dr. Unnur Guðrún Óttarsdóttir

A new study reveals that drawing significantly enhances word retention compared to writing. Conducted by Dr. Unnur Guðrún Óttarsdóttir, an art therapist, this research represents the first of its kind globally.

The study involved 134 children and 262 adults, who were divided into three groups based on their memory performance: those who recalled the most words, those with average recall, and those with the least. Notably, the group that struggled with word retention benefitted the most from drawing rather than writing. Dr. Óttarsdóttir noted that participants who generally excelled in memory recalled more written words shortly after the task, but as time passed, their retention of drawn words improved.

Drawing appears to create a more profound emotional and personal connection to the words being learned, according to Dr. Óttarsdóttir. She explains that from an art therapy perspective, drawing engages more creative and emotional processes compared to mere writing.

Importantly, participants do not need to create skilled drawings for this method to be effective. Research indicates that even simple sketches suffice, as long as the individual understands their own drawing. Dr. Óttarsdóttir advises against placing artistic pressure on the drawings.

The findings suggest that incorporating more drawing into educational settings could be beneficial for enhancing long-term memory retention.