The Effects of Color Coded Words on Memory Retention

Abstract

Memory does not only refer to the recollection of past information but also the functions of acquiring, encoding, and retaining it. Yet, researchers are still wondering how the brain is capable to fully comprehend, process, and retain large amount of information with little to no errors. Furthermore, addition of colors within words’ physical characteristic is found to effectively improve memory retention as it mainly attracts attention. This is because of the color perception that gives a sense of emphasis. The study was conducted with a quantitative approach under the quasi-experimental research design that seeks to accurately measure the effect of color coded words on the memory retention. The researchers also constructed their own type of instructional material to efficiently measure the scores of 3 groups of 105 respondents from Grade 11 students undertaking the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics strand in Bulacan State University Laboratory High School presented via PowerPoint presentation slides with each including 12 words that varies in color in accordance to the manipulation of the independent variable. The scores were then paired, analyzed, and compared with each other. Pair 1 pertains to the single manipulation of the experiment is found to be not significant (0.175) while Pair 2 pertains to the multiple manipulations is found to be significant (0.004) where it rejects the null hypothesis within a 95% confidence level. In conclusion, colors possess great significance in conveying, interpreting, and portraying information. It effectively increases memory retention in terms of level of attention. The concept would eventually help co-create a new and healthy learning environment where an efficient and effective visual learning strategy aids every student.

Keywords: Memory Retention, Colors, Attention, Manipulation, Words

JEL Classification: I20