What percentage of information retention is typically gained through seeing and hearing?

The percentage of information retention typically gained through seeing and hearing is 50%. This statistic is often associated with the dual-channel theory of learning, which suggests that people remember information better when they engage both visual and auditory senses simultaneously. This combined approach allows learners to create stronger associations and mental images of the material being taught, which greatly enhances memory retention.

When instruction includes both visual aids, such as slides or demonstrations, alongside verbal explanations or discussions, learners are more likely to absorb and recall the information later. This dual processing is crucial in a cosmetology context, where both demonstration (sight) and verbal explanation (hearing) contribute significantly to a student’s ability to imitate techniques and apply knowledge effectively.

The percentages that suggest higher levels of retention, such as 70% or 90%, may refer to kinesthetic learning or other combinations of learning styles, which involve active participation, but the specific figure for visual and auditory learning combined remains around 50%.