Back to all research

Only minimal differences between individuals with congenital aphantasia and those with typical imagery on neuropsychological tasks that involve imagery

DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2021.12.010
Pounder, Z., Jacob, J., Evans, S., Loveday, C., Eardley, A. F., & Silvanto, J. (2022). Only minimal differences between individuals with congenital aphantasia and those with typical imagery on neuropsychological tasks that involve imagery. Cortex, 148, 180–192. doi:10.1016/j.cortex.2021.12.010

Abstract

This research focuses on a condition called aphantasia, where individuals report a lack of voluntary visual imagery. The study aimed to find out if individuals with aphantasia show deficits in tasks related to visual imagery, such as Spatial Span, One Touch Stocking of Cambridge, Pattern Recognition Memory, Verbal Recognition Memory and Mental Rotation. Twenty individuals with aphantasia were matched with 20 individuals with typical imagery in terms of age and IQ. The results showed that individuals with aphantasia performed differently in the One Touch Stocking of Cambridge and Mental Rotation tasks, but only in response time, not accuracy. The study suggests that the cognitive profile of individuals without imagery does not differ greatly from those with typical imagery when viewed as a group. The severity of aphantasia may be a factor to consider when investigating differences in imagery experience. The study raises questions about whether aphantasia represents a difference in cognitive function or conscious experience.

Authors

  • Zoë Pounder5
  • Jane Jacob1
  • Samuel Evans2
  • Catherine Loveday2
  • Alison F. Eardley3
  • Juha Silvanto5

Understanding Aphantasia: A Study on Visual Imagery

Overview/Introduction

Aphantasia is a unique condition where individuals are unable to voluntarily create visual images in their minds. Imagine trying to picture a sunset or a loved one's face, but seeing nothing at all. This study explores whether people with aphantasia experience difficulties in tasks that typically rely on visual imagery. By comparing individuals with and without aphantasia, the research aims to uncover how this condition might affect cognitive tasks and whether it influences cognitive function or conscious experience.

Methodology

To investigate the effects of aphantasia, researchers conducted a study with 40 participants. This group was split into two: 20 individuals with aphantasia and 20 individuals with typical visual imagery abilities. Both groups were matched in terms of age and IQ to ensure fair comparisons. Participants were tested on several tasks, including:
  • Spatial Span: Assesses memory for spatial information.
  • One Touch Stocking of Cambridge: Evaluates planning and problem-solving abilities.
  • Pattern Recognition Memory: Tests the ability to recognize visual patterns.
  • Verbal Recognition Memory: Measures memory for verbal information.
  • Mental Rotation: Involves mentally rotating objects to assess spatial visualization skills.

Key Findings

The study revealed some intriguing results:
  • Individuals with aphantasia performed similarly to those with typical imagery on most tasks.
  • Differences emerged in the One Touch Stocking of Cambridge and Mental Rotation tasks, but only in terms of response time, not accuracy.
  • This suggests that while people with aphantasia may take longer to process certain tasks, their overall accuracy remains unaffected.

Implications

These findings offer valuable insights into the nature of aphantasia:
  • Cognitive Function: The study suggests that aphantasia may not significantly impact cognitive abilities as previously thought. People with aphantasia can perform tasks accurately, albeit at a slower pace.
  • Conscious Experience: The research raises questions about whether aphantasia is more about differences in conscious experience rather than cognitive deficits.
  • Severity Considerations: The severity of aphantasia might play a role in how individuals experience and perform imagery-related tasks, indicating a spectrum rather than a binary condition.

Limitations

While the study provides important insights, there are some limitations to consider:
  • Sample Size: With only 40 participants, the study's findings may not be generalizable to all individuals with aphantasia.
  • Response Time Focus: The emphasis on response time differences suggests that further research is needed to explore other potential cognitive impacts of aphantasia.
In conclusion, this study sheds light on the intriguing condition of aphantasia, suggesting that while it may alter the speed o...