Handwritten texts activate more brain regions than typed texts, according to a new study. The researchers suspect that this is because writing by hand requires more complex motor and cognitive processes than typing. They also suggest that writing by hand may be better for learning than typing.
In today’s digital world, typing on a keyboard has become the preferred method of writing. But how does this change affect our brain? A new study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology examines the differences in brain activity between handwriting and machine writing.
The researchers found that handwriting leads to greater brain connectivity than typing. This suggests that handwriting requires more complex motor and cognitive processes than typing. The researchers also suspect that handwriting may be better for learning than typing because it promotes information processing and memory formation.
The study
In the study, 36 adults were asked to write a text either by hand or using a keyboard. During the task, their brain activity was measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The results showed that writing by hand led to greater activation of brain regions responsible for motor control, sensory processing, and language processing.
The researchers interpret these results as an indication that handwriting requires more complex motor and cognitive processes than typing. When writing by hand, we have to coordinate our hand and finger muscles to form the letters. We also have to visually process the letters and associate them with the corresponding sounds. When typing, on the other hand, we only have to press the right keys.
Possible advantages of handwriting
Researchers suspect that writing by hand could be better for learning than typing because of its more complex motor and cognitive processes. Writing by hand can help information to be better processed and stored. It can also help us to remember what we have learned.
The significance of the study
The study has important implications for our understanding of the role of writing in learning. It shows that handwriting is not just a dying technique, but can also play an important role in brain development. The researchers recommend that children should continue to learn handwriting even as they learn touch typing.
Conclusion of the study
The study shows that handwriting leads to greater brain connectivity than typing. Researchers suggest that this is because handwriting requires more complex motor and cognitive processes than typing. They also suggest that handwriting may be better for learning than typing.
Further thoughts
The study has some limitations. For example, only 36 adults were studied, and it is possible that the results would be different in children. It is also possible that the results were influenced by the type of texts used. Further research is therefore needed to better understand the effects of handwriting on the brain.
