Difference in memory recall among medical students after reading printed text (hard copy) vs. on screen text (soft copy).

OBJECTIVE To compare the difference in "memory recall" among undergraduates (UGs) and postgraduates (PGs) medical students reading printed text (hard copy) vs. on-screen text (soft copy). METHODS Final year UGs medical students (Group A) were divided into two batches, one batch was given hard copy of 1258 worded text and other group was given a soft copy of the same text. Likewise PGs (Group B) were divided into two batches, each batch was given hard copy and soft copy of the same text material with identical physical attributes. All batches were asked to read the text in 15 minutes. Text was then removed and a proforma containing statements pertaining to recall of the text material was administered to all. RESULTS The scores of students reading soft copy text were significantly higher compared to student reading text from hard copy (p<.008) in the proforma assessing memory recall. CONCLUSIONS The memory recall from reading on screen text is better than reading printed (paper) text, implying that with the advancement of technology and early exposure to computer screen, students are developing the habit of reading on screen text more conveniently.