The Benefits of Underlining are a Combination of Perceptual and Motor Advantages [abstract]

Underlining is a widely used study technique, but research on its efficacy has been scarce and somewhat inconsistent. This work aimed to explore the role of underlining in word recognition. In Experiment 1, participants were instructed to (1) underline and (2) read words silently and perform a recognition test. Results showed higher recognition for underlined words than those only read in silence. To determine if the perceptual cues (colourfulunderlining) alone, without motor involvement of underlining, are sufficient to enhance memory, Experiment 2 was conducted. Participants (1) read silently underlined words (passive-underlining) and (2) words without underlining. The results showed higher recognition for previously underlined words than nonunderlined words. Finally, in Experiment 3, the impact of motor movement on recognition was examined. Results demonstrated a recognition advantage for words that were only motor-underlined. Together, these results indicate that the benefits of underlining memory depend on perceptual and motor cues.