The idea that writing in blue ink can improve memory is a common belief, often passed down among students and note-takers. This claim suggests that the specific color of the ink somehow enhances the brain’s ability to encode and recall information. The actual effect of blue ink on memory is complex, however, and depends less on the color itself and more on how the brain processes visual information and novelty.
The Psychology of Color and Attention
Color plays a significant role in cognitive processing, particularly in capturing attention. The color blue is generally associated with calmness, reliability, and openness, which can create a relaxed environment conducive to learning and creative thought. This psychological association may theoretically support better focus compared to more stimulating colors.
Standard black ink, the default for most printed materials, tends to be neutral and does not stimulate high attention. In contrast, colors like red are often linked to danger, caution, or error, prompting a heightened state of alertness and attention to detail. The distinct psychological effects of different colors suggest they can influence the type of cognitive task that is best supported.
What the Research Says About Blue Ink
Scientific studies that directly compare the effect of blue ink on memory recall often yield mixed or inconclusive results regarding rote memorization. Research indicates that blue can enhance cognitive performance in creative tasks, such as brainstorming, due to its association with an open and relaxed mindset. However, this benefit does not consistently translate into superior performance for detail-oriented tasks like proofreading or memory retrieval.
One study found that red ink boosted performance on detail-oriented tasks by a significant margin compared to blue ink, suggesting that the alerting nature of red is more effective for accuracy and recall of specific facts. While blue ink may make notes more memorable due to its trustworthy perception, the evidence for significantly improving the retention of factual information over black or red ink is weak. The overall consensus is that no single ink color guarantees a substantial improvement in memory retention, but color-coding can be beneficial when used strategically.
Distinctiveness and the Novelty Effect
Any perceived memory benefit from using blue ink is better explained by the psychological principle known as the Von Restorff Effect, or the isolation effect. This effect predicts that an item that stands out conspicuously from its surrounding context is more likely to be remembered. The brain is wired to pay increased attention to stimuli that are novel or different.
Since most notes, textbooks, and documents are printed in standard black ink, writing in blue ink makes the information physically distinct. This distinctiveness improves the initial encoding of the information because the brain processes the blue text as an isolated, unique item.
The novelty of the color, rather than the color blue itself, serves as a powerful cue for later recall. This provides a practical explanation for why some people feel blue ink helps them remember.