"Effect of Color on Reading and Retention"

Abstract of a paper by Ashley N. Richardson

An age appropriate short story was obtained for the sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students. For each short story, a test of eight questions was created. Seven colors were used. They were red, blue, green, yellow, orange, white and hot pink. Over 400 students were tested and each student was given Jolly Rancher candies for their participation. The results of the testing indicated that yellow had the most negative effect and orange had the most positive effect. In conclusion to this project, colors do affect reading and retention. However, the human preference or reaction to a specific color appears to affect the reading and/or retention in a negative or positive way as well.

Advisor: B. Miller, Lewis Middle School

Ashley Richardson, Adina Sobo