How do Andrade's findings contribute to the literature on note-taking?

• A. Doodling is less effective than traditional note-taking
• B. Doodling serves as a distraction and does not aid memory
• C. Doodling can be an effective alternative to traditional note-taking
• D. Doodling has no effect on focus or memory

Answer: (C)

Andrade's findings suggest that doodling can be an effective alternative to traditional note-taking by supporting memory retention and focus. The research indicates that when individuals engage in doodling while listening to a lecture or processing information, they are more likely to retain pertinent details compared to those who do not doodle. This is attributed to the way doodling helps in maintaining a level of engagement, which in turn promotes better memory encoding and retrieval of information.

Doodling can serve as a beneficial cognitive tool, as it occupies the mind just enough to prevent daydreaming or distraction, allowing the individual to stay engaged with the content being presented. It appears to create a balance between cognitive overload and idle distraction, making it a valuable technique in enhancing the learning process. Therefore, this understanding of doodling aligns with the broader literature on note-taking by presenting it as a complementary strategy to traditional methods, highlighting the diverse ways in which people can capture and retain information.