Reading text out loud has been shown to improve memory recall compared to its silent counterpart. But does this enhancement extend to understanding the material at a deeper level? A recent study published in the journal Memory & Cognition sought to answer this very question.

Previous research on study strategies has explored various methods to enhance learning effectiveness, focusing on how different approaches impact memory retention and comprehension. Notably, strategies like self-quizzing, spaced repetition, and elaborate self-explanation have been shown to improve learning outcomes. However, these methods often require a significant investment of time.

Among simpler techniques, reading aloud has emerged as a potentially efficient alternative. This interest in reading aloud as a study strategy dates back to early 20th-century research, which suggested that vocalization could aid in memorizing material, a phenomenon later termed the “production effect.”