Back to all research

The neural correlates of visual imagery vividness – An fMRI study and literature review

DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2017.09.014
Fulford, J., Milton, F., Salas, D., Smith, A., Simler, A., Winlove, C., & Zeman, A. (2018). The neural correlates of visual imagery vividness – an fmri study and literature review. Cortex, 105, 26–40. doi:10.1016/j.cortex.2017.09.014

Abstract

Using the Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire we selected 14 high-scoring and 15 low-scoring healthy participants from an initial sample of 111 undergraduates. The two groups were matched on measures of age, IQ, memory and mood but differed significantly in imagery vividness. We used fMRI to examine brain activation while participants looked at, or later imagined, famous faces and famous buildings. Group comparison revealed that the low-vividness group activated a more widespread set of brain regions while visualising than the high-vividness group. Parametric analysis of brain activation in relation to imagery vividness across the entire group of participants revealed distinct patterns of positive and negative correlation. In particular, several posterior cortical regions show a positive correlation with imagery vividness: regions of the fusiform gyrus, posterior cingulate and parahippocampal gyri (BAs 19, 29, 31 and 36) displayed exclusively positive correlations. By contrast several frontal regions including parts of anterior cingulate cortex (BA 24) and inferior frontal gyrus (BAs 44 and 47), as well as the insula (BA 13), auditory cortex (BA 41) and early visual cortices (BAs 17 and 18) displayed exclusively negative correlations. We discuss these results in relation to a previous, functional imaging study of a clinical case of 'blind imagination', and to the existing literature on the functional imaging correlates of imagery vividness and related phenomena in visual and other domains.

Authors

  • Jon Fulford2
  • Fraser Milton3
  • David Salas1
  • Alicia Smith1
  • Amber Simler1
  • Crawford Winlove5
  • Adam Zeman14

Understanding the Vividness of Visual Imagery: A Brain Study

Overview/Introduction

This study explores how vividly people can imagine visual images in their minds and what happens in the brain during this process. Using advanced brain imaging technology (fMRI), researchers examined how different parts of the brain are activated when people visualize famous faces and buildings. The study involved two groups of participants: those who reported having very vivid mental images and those who did not.

Methodology

  • Participants: 29 healthy university students were selected based on their scores from a questionnaire measuring the vividness of their visual imagery. They were divided into high-vividness and low-vividness groups.
  • Brain Imaging: Participants underwent fMRI scans while they either looked at or imagined images of famous faces and buildings.
  • Data Analysis: The researchers compared brain activation patterns between the two groups and analyzed how these patterns correlated with the vividness of the participants' mental images.

Key Findings

  • Brain Activation Patterns: The low-vividness group showed activation in a broader range of brain areas compared to the high-vividness group when imagining images.
  • Positive Correlations: Certain brain regions, such as the fusiform gyrus and posterior cingulate, were more active in individuals with vivid imagery.
  • Negative Correlations: Other areas, including parts of the frontal cortex and auditory regions, were less active in those with vivid imagery.
  • Group Differences: The high-vividness group had more focused brain activation, while the low-vividness group showed more widespread activation, suggesting different strategies or levels of effort in visualizing.

Implications

  • Understanding Imagination: This research helps us understand how different people experience mental imagery and the brain regions involved.
  • Potential Applications: Insights from this study could inform therapeutic approaches for conditions where imagination is impaired, such as in certain mental health disorders.
  • Broader Impact: The findings contribute to our understanding of how the brain supports complex cognitive functions like imagination and memory.

Limitations

  • Sample Size: The study involved a relatively small number of participants, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
  • Task Specificity: The tasks used (imagining famous faces and buildings) may not capture all aspects of visual imagery vividness.
In summary, this study sheds light on the neural basis of visual imagery vividness, highlighting the distinct brain activation patterns associated with how vividly people can imagine images. Understanding these patterns can have significant implications for both cognitive neuroscience and practical applications in mental health.