Trying to Do Better in Class? Take Your Handwritten Notes in Blue Pen​

Nawshin Maleeha, Adrianne Nemchik, Nabiha Subzwari, and Fatimah Tariq​

Does the utensil you use to take notes actually make a difference? Data shows taking notes in blue pen just might be the key to your success!

Writing information as a means for retention is a method that has been debated since classical times. While Socrates claimed that writing is the culprit for people’s inability to exercise their mind and memory, teachers in the modern-day seem to feel differently, actively encouraging their students to write down their notes using a pen and a piece of paper.

In this study, the relationship between handwriting notes and its effect on information recall was explored. Subcategories include determining whether or not the type of utensil used, along with the color of the pen improves information retention. These experiments were done by quantitatively measuring memory accuracy through an experiment using an engaging short story. The participants in this study were largely current Macaulay Honors College students across multiple campuses.

In Experiment 1 of the study, the effect that the type of handwriting utensil used has on memory was examined by assigning individuals to either not take notes (no utensil) or take notes on the story using either pencil, pen, or a digital stylus. In Experiment 2, the differences in one’s ability to remember information based on the ink color of their pen with which they use to write information down was tested to understand how a pen’s ink color affects memory. For all participants, memory will be tested after both 30 minutes and 2 weeks to determine the impact of writing in a short-term and long-term context.

After collecting and analyzing the data, it was found that both time spent engaging with the information and the type of utensil used could have had an impact on memory at the short-term and long-term time points. Ultimately, the goal of this study was to present improved methods for note-taking, whether that be a classical take or a modern-day one—and blue pen seems promising!

Download poster here