What is a potential benefit of doodling during lectures or meetings?

• A. Doodling makes it difficult to absorb information
• B. Doodling may serve as a creative outlet only
• C. Doodling can aid in memory retention
• D. Doodling leads to less engagement with the content

Answer: (C)

Doodling can indeed enhance memory retention by keeping the mind engaged in a way that helps process and organize information. When individuals doodle during lectures or meetings, they may find that their minds remain focused on the material being presented, which can help prevent daydreaming and distractions. This engagement allows for better information encoding, as the act of doodling can help reinforce connections to the spoken content.

Furthermore, doodling may aid in recalling the information discussed, as it often creates visual associations that can trigger memory. Research has shown that activities like doodling can lead to improved retention of details compared to simply sitting passively, as the motor skills involved in drawing can stimulate cognitive processes. This underscores the idea that doodling is not just a mindless activity but can play a meaningful role in enhancing learning and comprehension during otherwise passive activities such as listening to lectures.