Research Interests



Drawing as an encoding technique: The bulk of my research has focused on the applications and generalizability of drawing as an encoding technique. I have particularly been interested in examining the use of drawing to ground or "concretize" more abstract concepts. We have found that the use of drawing not only strengthens already existing links between a concrete word and its sensory referent, but can also create more tangible associations when there are few (in the case of abstract words).
  • Tran, S.H.N., & Fernandes, M.A.(2023). Age differences in effectiveness of encoding techniques on memory. Aging, Neuropsychology, and Cognition. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1080/13825585.2023.2202377.
  • Tran, S.H.N., & Fernandes, M.A.(2023) Drawing enhances memory for emotional words. Canadian Journal of Experimental Psychology / Revue canadienne de psychologie expérimentale. doi:10.1037/cep0000319.
  • Tran, S.H.N., Beech, I., & Fernandes, M. A. (2022). Drawing compared to writing in a diary enhances recall of autobiographical memories. Aging, Neuropsychology, and Cognition. Advance online publication. 1-17. doi:10.1080/13825585.2022.2047594.


I have also been interested in examining whether drawing confers a reliable memory benefit across the human lifespan (e.g. children, young adults, middle-aged adults, and older adults).
  • Tran, S.H.N., & Fernandes, M.A.(2023). Age differences in effectiveness of encoding techniques on memory. Aging, Neuropsychology, and Cognition. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1080/13825585.2023.2202377.


Finally, I have also been interested in examining how drawing is similar and distinct from other encoding techniques known to benefit human memory.
  • Tran, S.H.N., & Fernandes, M.A.(2023). Age differences in effectiveness of encoding techniques on memory. Aging, Neuropsychology, and Cognition. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1080/13825585.2023.2202377.


Contact: sophiahtran@uwaterloo.ca