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The blind mind: No sensory visual imagery in aphantasia

DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2017.10.012
Keogh, R., & Pearson, J. (2018). The blind mind: no sensory visual imagery in aphantasia. Cortex, 105, 53–60. doi:10.1016/j.cortex.2017.10.012

Abstract

This study investigated the condition of aphantasia, where individuals are unable to experience visual imagery. Until now, aphantasia has only been based on subjective reports, so the study aimed to measure sensory imagery in self-diagnosed aphantasics using the binocular rivalry paradigm and multiple questionnaires. The results showed that aphantasics had almost no imagery-based rivalry priming, and their self-rated visual object imagery was significantly lower compared to the general population, but their spatial imagery scores were higher. The study concludes that aphantasia involves a lack of sensory and phenomenal imagery, not a lack of metacognition. The possible neurological causes of aphantasia and future research directions are discussed.

Authors

  • Rebecca Keogh14
  • Joel Pearson28

Understanding Aphantasia: A Study on the Absence of Visual Imagery

Overview/Introduction

Aphantasia is a condition where individuals are unable to visualize images in their mind, a concept that has intrigued scientists and the general public alike. This study delves into the nature of aphantasia, aiming to provide objective evidence of the condition, which has so far been largely based on personal accounts. The researchers used a combination of psychological tests and a unique visual experiment called the binocular rivalry paradigm to explore how people with self-diagnosed aphantasia experience visual imagery.

Methodology

To investigate aphantasia, researchers conducted tests with participants who self-identified as having the condition. These participants underwent:
  • Binocular Rivalry Paradigm: A visual test where two different images are shown to each eye, and perception typically alternates between the two. This test helps in understanding how visual imagery influences perception.
  • Questionnaires: Participants filled out several questionnaires, including the Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire (VVIQ), the Spontaneous Use of Imagery Scale (SUIS), and the Object and Spatial Imagery Questionnaire (OSIQ), to assess their self-reported imagery capabilities.

Key Findings

  • Lack of Imagery-Based Priming: Aphantasic participants showed almost no imagery-based rivalry priming, indicating a significant difference from the general population.
  • Self-Rated Imagery: Participants with aphantasia rated their visual object imagery as significantly lower than average, while their spatial imagery scores were higher than those of the general population.
  • Imagery and Metacognition: The findings suggest that aphantasia is characterized by a lack of sensory and phenomenal imagery, rather than a deficiency in metacognition (the ability to reflect on one's own thought processes).

Implications

The study's findings have several practical implications:
  • Understanding Aphantasia: This research provides a clearer picture of what it means to have aphantasia, confirming that it involves a genuine absence of visual imagery rather than a lack of awareness.
  • Potential Neurological Insights: The study opens avenues for further research into the neurological underpinnings of aphantasia, which could lead to a better understanding of how visual imagery is processed in the brain.
  • Broader Cognitive Impact: Understanding aphantasia can shed light on how different cognitive functions are affected by the absence of visual imagery, potentially influencing educational and therapeutic approaches for individuals with this condition.

Limitations

While the study offers valuable insights, it also has limitations:
  • Sample Size: The number of aphantasic participants was relatively small, which may affect the generalizability of the findings.
  • Variability in Testing Conditions: Differences in testing environments...