Handwriting has been linked to memory formation and information encoding
A small study by Norwegian scientists found that electroencephalogram (EEG) patterns in the parietal and central regions of the brain were much more complex when writing by hand than when typing on a keyboard. According to the researchers, who published a paper in the journal Frontiers in Psychology, such patterns in these brain regions are associated with memory formation and encoding of new information - fundamental functions of learning.
Typing on a keyboard almost universally displaces traditional handwriting. Yet little is known about how this transformation of learning affects children's development. Doctors know that handwriting not only improves spelling accuracy and memory, but also makes it easier to recognize and understand letters, whether a child uses a traditional pen or a digital pen. In addition, research shows that learning is facilitated by precise coordination of complex hand movements while carefully forming each letter when using a pen.
A research team led by Audrey van der Meer from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology previously conducted a study in which scientists found different degrees of brain activity on the EEG when writing by hand and typing on a keyboard. Now they have investigated how different areas of the brain interact with each other when writing by hand and typing on a keyboard.
Thirty-six healthy students participated. They were presented with 30 words, which they had to write by hand using a digital pen directly on the screen, or type the presented word with the index finger of their right hand on a keyboard. At this time, they were given an EEG.
Analysis of the EEG data showed that the brain regions that showed significant pattern differences between writing and typing were the central and parietal brain regions at frequencies ranging from theta (2 Hertz) to gamma (60 Hertz). In central and parietal regions, patterns of positive coherence were more prominent at lower frequencies (theta and alpha) for handwriting input.
Analysis using frequency-temporal indicators and a coherence matrix showed that widespread coherence patterns of theta/alpha rhythms were observed between parietal-right, parietal-middle, and parietal-left regions, and between center-right and center-left regions during handwriting. A total of 32 cluster differences were observed between handwriting and typing on a keyboard.
According to the scientists, similar patterns as in handwriting on the EEG are also observed in the processes of sensorimotor integration, which underlies memory formation and information encoding - that is, learning. Therefore, the researchers believe that handwriting is worth paying attention to in school and university education, despite the increasing digitalization of education. However, further research will focus on whether these EEG patterns differ between adults and children, and what other integrations of brain regions occur in the model of full-fledged writing.