does writing help you remember

does writing help you remember

The Benefits of Writing for Memory Retention

1. Introduction

Throughout my lifetime to date, I have read a countless number of books, both fiction and non-fiction, and quite a few of these books were read with the intention that their contents would improve my knowledge on a particular subject or teach me a certain skill. Techniques learned from language learning guides come to mind as one example. Like many other people, I’ve found that much of the information which I initially learned from such books was quickly forgotten. This is what led me to choose the topic of ‘The Benefits of Writing for Memory’. I hope that by identifying the reasons why writing makes information easier to remember, I may be able to improve my own ability to retain information, along with that of the readers. My ultimate goal for the readers is that they will be able to learn and retain information more effectively throughout their own lifetimes, using the methods which will be explained in this essay.

A. Reason for choosing the topic. B. How the author prepared and what experiences led to the choice of this topic. C. What benefits the author hopes the readers will gain from reading this essay.

2. How Writing Enhances Memory

LEFT TO RIGHT, AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY. One possibility is that writing improves memory through an increase in cognitive organization. This was speculated by Hermann Ebbinghaus over a century ago when he observed that rote memorization was more successful for material with logical structure and flow. Cognitive psychologists have elaborated on this idea with the levels-of-processing framework, elucidating that information is organized in memory in relations between to-be remembered items. Deeper processing leads to an elaborated associative network, resulting in more potential retrieval cues to the information. In the case of writing, the motor patterns of letters and words form very specific cues to the written information. This could explain why the memory improvements of writing have been found to be maximized with longer retention intervals and tests that measure delayed recall. This form of testing isolates the effect of writing on the initial encoding and the stored representation of the information, rather than its immediate retrievability caused by the generation effect.

Writing is a powerful way to improve memory. A significant body of research has demonstrated the memory benefits of the “generation effect,” which refers to the finding that an individual will have better memory for material they have generated themselves, as opposed to material read or heard. Generation is a broad construct and can take many forms, from constructing physical models to mental visualization. One of the most convenient methods is to generate material via written word. In recent years, research has shown that writing activates a unique neural circuit that is heavily involved in the generation of ideas and integration of incoming information. When we write, this circuit becomes more active. This same research has shown that more intricate and precise finger movements, such as those used in typing as opposed to penmanship, also activate the sensorimotor aspects called the “reading circuit.” The “reading circuit” is essential for the encoding of new information into memory. It connects many different parts of the brain involved in language processing and comprehension. When information is processed more thoroughly, it is learned better. In memory experiments where participants are given a surprise recall test, information that was encoded with deeper processing is often remembered more accurately. This is an intriguing finding, considering writing’s ability to improve memory is likely a long-term side effect that isn’t even being attempted during the memory retrieval phase. This raises the question, what is it about writing that improves the encoding of information into memory?

Retained memory is enhanced when one attempts to retrieve previously learned material. Most of us can relate to the fact that memory can be improved through increased rehearsal and practice. But what is the best system for practicing retrieval? Would we gain any additional benefits from changing the way the material is initially encoded into memory? Cognitive psychology research relevant to these questions has focused on identifying learning strategies that improve long-term retention.

3. Techniques for Effective Writing

When the topic is understood and plenty of information has been gathered, the writer must decide on how to structure it. Brainstorming is an effective way to do this. On a piece of paper, write the newly discovered topic in the middle and circle it. Then, radiating out from the topic are sub-themes that relate to the main topic. Then, at another level, write down points and information that relate to the sub-theme. This will result in a web of information that will be easy to refer to while writing. This technique proves to be successful and is often saved and referred to for other topics in the future.

Under each heading, write main points or questions that need to be answered. Only write down information that will be relevant to what is trying to be achieved in the actual writing. Getting straight to the point is much more effective than beating around the bush.

• Introduction • Body • Conclusion

Keywords are essential, even when writing. Good preparation and planning can result in an organized composition. Start by jotting down a few ideas on paper. It is not necessary to write a detailed plan. Start by preparing an outline that is generally structured:

4. Writing for Long-Term Memory

Many people seem to have a photographic memory. This type of memory allows a person to recall vivid details of anything they’ve seen or heard. Since it is so detailed, it appears to be perfect recall. Despite this, a person with such a memory is rare. Most people do not have a memory of this caliber. However, everyone has the same potential for memory. Writing can help harness your memory to its fullest potential. Writing is good for memory. Writing things down has an effect on your memory. Later, if you’ve forgotten something, by writing the question down on paper, any relevant details are more likely to come to mind. This also applies to the memory of knowing whether you’ve checked something, like turning off the stove or locking the car. If you write this down, you’re likely to remember the act of doing it. Any notes you make can jog your memory, so that this short-term memory becomes a long-term memory.

5. Conclusion

In conclusion, the studies reviewed here demonstrate that the ability to write effectively enhances cognitive skills and development. An overarching causative benefit of writing on higher cognitive processes is quite sound, with consistent findings across correlation with general language/writing skill. More specific benefits have been found in the improvement of working memory and on the inhibition, generation, and selection aspects of executive function. In recent years, the use of expressive writing and writing about emotionally provocative subjects has also shown great benefit. With the establishment of these benefits among normal healthy people, it has become clear that the therapeutic uses of writing will also be a growing area of interest.

Writing has been demonstrated as an effective method to improve cognitive processing. This is because writing is a complex process that requires the writer to elaborate, organize and sequence information, integrate information from various sources, and employ a certain level of critical thinking. Moreover, writing has been shown to improve learning in a variety of populations, including those with disabilities, children, and post-secondary students. The extent of benefit is still unknown for some groups. Because writing is a complex activity, it has multiple effects on brain processes, and effective writing can promote optimal mental functioning. Despite the ability to write your thoughts down being as old as language itself, the field of writing and cognition is only beginning to gain momentum. With the recent advances in neuroimaging techniques and availability of portable writing implements, we can now more rigorously test the claim that writing is a crucial tool for cognitive enhancement.