Haptics in Cognition: Disruptor or Enabler of Memory?

Abstract

This exploratory pilot study investigates the impact of haptic perception --specifically tactile sensitivity (touch) and kinaesthetic intensity (movement)-- on learning, operationalized as information retention (immediate recall) through handwriting. Participants (N=20) were randomly assigned to one of four experimental groups in a 2x2 factorial design, manipulating touch (via glove use) and movement (via increased writing pressure). Information retention was measured using an immediate recall test, while mental effort (reaction time in a secondary task) and perceived workload (NASA-TLX) were examined as mediating variables. Bayesian binomial regression revealed moderate evidence that increased writing pressure negatively influenced recall (85-88% probability of negative effect), whereas glove use alone demonstrated no clear effect. Bayesian mediation analysis found no strong evidence that mental effort or perceived workload mediated these effects, as all 95% credible intervals included zero, indicating substantial uncertainty. These findings suggest that increased Kinaesthetic demands may slightly impair immediate recall, independent of perceived workload or mental effort. Importantly, the manipulation of touch alone does not appear to influence information retention. The study contributes to understanding the nuanced relationship between embodied interactions and cognitive outcomes, with implications for designing sensor-based multimodal learning environments.