When it comes to studying and retaining information, many students swear by using colored pens instead of standard black or blue ink. But with so many color options available, how do you know which one is best for helping improve your memory? Red and blue pens are two popular choices – but which color reigns supreme when it comes to boosting memorization and recall?
The Science Behind Color and Memory
Research has shown connections between color and memory. Studies indicate that color enhances recognition and recall by increasing attention, distinctiveness, arousal and associability. The brain seems to process information more deeply when color is added, helping details stand out and be remembered better. This is known as the “von Restorff effect” or “isolation effect.”
Color also impacts emotion and mood, which can in turn affect cognitive functioning. Seeing certain colors has been shown to stimulate the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine in the brain, which are associated with enhanced memory, focus and overall brain processing.
Red vs Blue: A Comparison
So how do red and blue pens compare when it comes to boosting memory effectiveness? Here’s an overview of what science suggests about each color:
Benefits of Red
- Increases attention – Our eyes are drawn to red instantly, making it stand out
- Triggers arousal – Red has an energizing effect that boosts focus
- Enhances memory – Red words and images are better recalled than other colors
- Improves detail memory – Red helps retrieve specifics when recalling episodic memories
- Boosts motivation – Red inspires people to take action and achieve goals
Benefits of Blue
- Improves creative performance – Blue inspires creative and imaginative thinking
- Enhances productivity – Lighter blues are linked to higher workplace productivity
- Reduces anxiety – Blue has a calming effect that leads to clarity and focus
- Aids logical thinking – Blue elicits rational vs emotional judgments
- Promotes effective studying – Blue helps maintain focus over long study sessions
Studies Comparing Red and Blue for Memory
Several studies have directly tested whether red or blue is more effective at boosting different types of memory performance. Here is a summary of their key findings:
Short-Term & Working Memory
A 2012 study tested people’s working memory span and access to short-term memory stores using blue, red, green and gray displays. Results showed:
- Blue produced the longest working memory spans
- Red yielded the fastest access to short-term memory items
The researchers concluded blue may increase capacity while red improves processing speed of temporary memories.
Episodic Memory
A 2008 study looked at episodic memory (recall of experiences) using blue or red screens. Findings included:
- Better memory accuracy with blue displays
- More detailed memories retrieved with red
Blue seemed to help correctness while red prompted recollection of more specifics.
Memory Retention
A 2014 experiment had subjects study words on red, blue, green or gray backgrounds then tested recall after delays. Results showed:
- Words studied on red backgrounds were remembered significantly better one week later compared to other colors
The researchers proposed red may strengthen memory encoding and consolidation better than blues, greens or grays.
Tips for Using Red vs Blue Pens to Enhance Memory
Based on the science, here are some tips on how to use red and blue pens to maximize different memory benefits:
Try red pens when you want to:
- Sharpen focus when studying important info
- Underline key dates, formulas, definitions
- Flag critical details you need to recall specifically
- Review material again right before a test
Try blue pens when you want to:
- Take clear, concise notes during a lecture
- Outline key ideas and themes from a reading
- Summarize concepts or processes in charts/diagrams
- Study material well in advance of a test
Best Practices for Using Colored Pens to Enhance Memory
To maximize the memory benefits of colored pens, here are some best practices to follow based on cognitive research:
- Limit your color palette – Use 1 or 2 colors per notes page/document to avoid clutter
- Be consistent – Stick to the same color encodings throughout your notes
- Pair colors with information – Associate each color with a particular type of info
- Shade gradually – Use light to dark shades of colors to show relationships
- Engage your senses – Also say info out loud and visualize concepts
- Check recall – Test yourself regularly to reinforce memories
The Bottom Line
Both red and blue pens can provide unique memory benefits. Blue seems to help most with improving focus, comprehension and information retention over longer periods, while red appears superior for retrieving specific details and boosting motivation and alertness.
The best approach may be to use both – blue for big picture conceptual studying and red to highlight critical info you’ll need to recall precisely. By employing purposeful color encoding strategies, you can tap into the power of color psychology to enhance your overall memory and learning abilities.
| Color | Memory Benefits | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Increases attention and arousal; Improves motivation; Enhances detail recall | Underlining key info; Flagging critical details; Reviewing before a test |
| Blue | Enhances productivity and logical thinking; Reduces anxiety; Promotes effective studying | Taking notes during lectures; Outlining concepts; Studying well in advance |
References
Elliot, A.J., & Maier, M.A. (2014). Color psychology: effects of perceiving color on psychological functioning in humans. Annual Review of Psychology, 65, 95–120. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-psych-010213-115035
Kuhbandner, C., & Pekrun, R. (2013). Joint effects of emotion and color on memory. Emotion, 13(3), 375–379. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0031821
Mehta, R., & Zhu, R.J. (2009). Blue or red? Exploring the effect of color on cognitive task performances. Science, 323(5918), 1226-1229. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1169144
Dzulkifli, M.A., & Mustafar, M.F. (2013). The influence of colour on memory performance: a review. The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences : MJMS, 20(2), 3–9.
Guilford, J.P. & Smith, P.C. (1959). A system of color preferences. The American Journal of Psychology, 72, 487-502. https://doi.org/10.2307/1419491
Valdez, P., & Mehrabian, A. (1994). Effects of color on emotions. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 123, 394-409. https://doi.org/10.1037/0096-3445.123.4.394