Whether handwriting helps memory or just slows note-taking

I remember a meeting better when I write a few notes by hand, but typing lets me capture far more detail. Maybe the benefit isn't handwriting itself, but being forced to summarize because I can't keep up word for word. Has anyone tried taking deliberately selective typed notes and found the same effect? I'm curious whether speed or the physical act of writing matters more for memory.

  • ask-anything
  • handwriting
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  • memory
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  1. AN
    backlog_anemo
    1 point

    5 replies

    I think the summarizing matters more than the pen. Handwriting just forces that because you can’t copy everything.

    15 replies

    I think the summarizing matters more than the pen. Handwriting just forces that because you can’t copy everything.

    1
    1. elis_mace
      3 points

      I do better with selective typed notes than with full transcription. If I try to capture every word, I remember less because I’m busy typing.

      3

        Same. If the meeting is boring, I can type forever and retain basically nothing. If I handwrite three useful points, I’m more likely to reme...

      1. ST
        sergius
        0 points

        My completely unscientific version: typing is for record keeping, handwriting is for memory. It’s a terrible slogan, but it keeps me from over-noting.

        0

          Do you think that still holds if you’re using a keyboard but forcing yourself to write only keywords? I’m curious whether the physical act i...