Back to all research

Phantasia–The psychological significance of lifelong visual imagery vividness extremes

DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2020.04.003
Zeman, A., Milton, F., Della Sala, S., Dewar, M., Frayling, T., Gaddum, J., Hattersley, A., Heuerman-Williamson, B., Jones, K., MacKisack, M., & Winlove, C. (2020). Phantasia–the psychological significance of lifelong visual imagery vividness extremes. Cortex, 130, 426–440. doi:10.1016/j.cortex.2020.04.003

Abstract

Visual imagery typically enables us to see absent items in the mind's eye. It plays a role in memory, day-dreaming and creativity. Since coining the terms aphantasia and hyperphantasia to describe the absence and abundance of visual imagery, Adam Zeman and his team have been contacted by many thousands of people with extreme imagery abilities. Through data collected from questionnaires filled by 2000 participants with aphantasia and 200 with hyperphantasia, the researchers have found some interesting patterns. Participants with aphantasia tend to work in scientific and mathematical fields and have difficulty with face recognition and autobiographical memory. On the other hand, those with hyperphantasia tend to work in creative fields and have a higher rate of synaesthesia. The study found that around half of the participants with aphantasia reported the absence of wakeful imagery in all sense modalities, but most of them dream visually. The researchers have also noted that aphantasia runs in families more frequently than expected. This study highlights the widespread but neglected features of human experience with informative psychological associations.

Authors

  • Adam Zeman14
  • Fraser Milton3
  • Sergio Della Sala4
  • Michaela Dewar3
  • Timothy Frayling1
  • James Gaddum2
  • Andrew Hattersley1
  • Brittany Heuerman-Williamson2
  • Kealan Jones2
  • Matthew MacKisack4
  • Crawford Winlove5

Understanding Visual Imagery: A Study on Aphantasia and Hyperphantasia

Overview/Introduction

Visual imagery is a fascinating aspect of human cognition, allowing us to visualize absent objects in our "mind's eye." This ability plays a crucial role in memory, creativity, and daydreaming. However, not everyone experiences visual imagery in the same way. Some people have little to no ability to visualize images, a condition known as aphantasia, while others experience extremely vivid imagery, termed hyperphantasia. This study, led by Adam Zeman and his team, explores the psychological significance of these extremes in visual imagery by analyzing data from 2,000 individuals with aphantasia and 200 with hyperphantasia.

Methodology

  • Participants: 2,000 with aphantasia and 200 with hyperphantasia.
  • Data Collection: Participants completed questionnaires that assessed various aspects of their visual imagery experiences.
  • Analysis: Statistical methods were used to compare the responses of individuals with aphantasia and hyperphantasia across 15 key characteristics.

Key Findings

  • Occupational Trends: Individuals with aphantasia are more likely to work in scientific and mathematical fields, while those with hyperphantasia often pursue creative professions.
  • Memory and Recognition: People with aphantasia report difficulties with face recognition and autobiographical memory. In contrast, those with hyperphantasia often experience synaesthesia, where one sense involuntarily triggers another.
  • Dreaming: Despite lacking wakeful imagery, most people with aphantasia still dream visually.
  • Family Patterns: Aphantasia appears to run in families more frequently than expected, suggesting a potential genetic component.
  • Imagery in Other Modalities: While many with aphantasia lack visual imagery, they might still experience auditory or other sensory imagery.

Implications

  • Understanding Human Cognition: This study sheds light on the diversity of human cognitive experiences and challenges the assumption that visual imagery is essential for imagination.
  • Practical Applications: Insights from this research could inform educational strategies and therapeutic approaches, particularly for individuals with extreme imagery abilities.
  • Further Research: The findings open avenues for genetic studies to explore the hereditary nature of imagery vividness.

Limitations

  • Questionnaire Design: The exploratory nature of the questionnaire may have led to coarse-grained data. Future studies should employ more refined tools for deeper analysis.
  • Subjectivity in Responses: The lack of "blind" coding in questionnaire analysis could introduce bias, although efforts were made to maintain objectivity.
In conclusion, this study highlights the remarkable variability in visual imagery experiences and their significant psychological associations. Understanding these differences can enhance our appreciati...