AphantasiaResearch
Explore a comprehensive collection of academic papers, research studies, and scientific publications about aphantasia, imagery, and cognitive neuroscience.
Sensory representations in primary visual cortex are not sufficient for subjective imagery
Mental imagery involves sensory representations in the brain that resemble perception but don't result from it. This study found that while both visualizers and aphantasics can have sensory representations in the visual cortex, only visualizers experience vivid mental images, suggesting that higher brain regions, like the precuneus, are key for ...
Cabbai, G., Racey, C., Simner, J., Dance, C., Ward, J., & Forster, S. (n.d.). Sensory representations in primary visual cortex are not sufficient for subjective imagery. doi:10.1101/2024.01.10.574972
Mental imagery and visual attentional templates: A dissociation
Mental imagery does not impact the automatic use of attentional templates in visual tasks. Even individuals with aphantasia, who lack mental imagery, showed similar attention patterns to those with vivid imagery. This suggests that mental imagery and attentional templates operate independently.
Cabbai, G., Brown, C. R., Dance, C., Simner, J., & Forster, S. (2023). Mental imagery and visual attentional templates: a dissociation. Cortex, 169, 259–278. doi:10.1016/j.cortex.2023.09.014
Aphantasia within the framework of neurodivergence: Some preliminary data and the curse of the confidence gap
Neurodiversity highlights the diverse ways people think and learn, challenging the idea of a "correct" way. Aphantasia, affecting 3.9% of people, is where individuals can't visualize images mentally. The paper argues it's not a disorder but a neutral form of neurodivergence, aligning with the broader understanding of neurodiversity.
Monzel, M., Dance, C., Azañón, E., & Simner, J. (2023). Aphantasia within the framework of neurodivergence: some preliminary data and the curse of the confidence gap. Consciousness and Cognition, 115, 103567. doi:10.1016/j.concog.2023.103567
The role of visual imagery in face recognition and the construction of facial composites. Evidence from Aphantasia
People with aphantasia struggle with face recognition but can still create accurate facial composites from memory. While they find it hard to match faces, their ability to construct facial composites remains unaffected. This suggests visual imagery aids face recognition and matching but not composite creation.
Dance, C. J., Hole, G., & Simner, J. (2023). The role of visual imagery in face recognition and the construction of facial composites. evidence from aphantasia. Cortex, 167, 318–334. doi:10.1016/j.cortex.2023.06.015
Proposal for a consistent definition of aphantasia and hyperphantasia: A response to Lambert and Sibley (2022) and Simner and Dance (2022)
Monzel, M., Mitchell, D., Macpherson, F., Pearson, J., & Zeman, A. (2022). Proposal for a consistent definition of aphantasia and hyperphantasia: a response to lambert and sibley (2022) and simner and dance (2022). Cortex, 152, 74–76. doi:10.1016/j.cortex.2022.04.003
Aphantasia, dysikonesia, anauralia: call for a single term for the lack of mental imagery–Commentary on Dance et al. (2021) and Hinwar and Lambert (2021)
Advocating for the consistent use of 'aphantasia' to describe the absence of mental imagery, as it's already widely recognized and avoids confusion from emerging terms like 'dysikonesia' or 'anauralia'. This approach simplifies communication and understanding in both scientific and public contexts.
Monzel, M., Mitchell, D., Macpherson, F., Pearson, J., & Zeman, A. (2022). Aphantasia, dysikonesia, anauralia: call for a single term for the lack of mental imagery–commentary on dance et al. (2021) and hinwar and lambert (2021). Cortex, 150, 149–152. doi:10.1016/j.cortex.2022.02.002
The prevalence of aphantasia (imagery weakness) in the general population
Approximately 4% of people have aphantasia, a condition where they cannot create mental images. This study found that aphantasia is relatively rare and affects both genders equally.
Dance, C., Ipser, A., & Simner, J. (2022). The prevalence of aphantasia (imagery weakness) in the general population. Consciousness and Cognition, 97, 103243. doi:10.1016/j.concog.2021.103243
What is the Link Between Mental Imagery and Sensory Sensitivity? Insights from Aphantasia
People with aphantasia, who can't form mental images, also show reduced sensitivity to sensory input. This research suggests that aphantasia might be part of a broader condition affecting multiple senses, termed dysikonesia. The study links mental imagery with sensory sensitivity, showing that lower imagery correlates with lower sensory sensitiv...
Dance, C. J., Ward, J., & Simner, J. (2021). What is the link between mental imagery and sensory sensitivity? insights from aphantasia. Perception, 50(9), 757–782. doi:10.1177/03010066211042186
Imagine, and you will find – Lack of attentional guidance through visual imagery in aphantasics
Aphantasia, a condition where people can't visualize images, affects attention and visual search tasks. A study found that aphantasics lack the attentional guidance provided by visual imagery, impacting their information processing. This supports the idea that mental images play a crucial role in how we process information.
Monzel, M., Keidel, K., & Reuter, M. (2021). Imagine, and you will find – lack of attentional guidance through visual imagery in aphantasics. Attention, Perception, & Psychophysics, 83(6), 2486–2497. doi:10.3758/s13414-021-02307-z
Behavioral and Neural Signatures of Visual Imagery Vividness Extremes: Aphantasia versus Hyperphantasia
Aphantasia and hyperphantasia describe the extremes of visual imagery vividness. Aphantasia is linked to challenges in face recognition and memory, while hyperphantasia shows enhanced imagination and openness. Brain scans reveal distinct connectivity patterns, highlighting the neural basis of these imagery differences.
Milton, F., Fulford, J., Dance, C., Gaddum, J., Heuerman-Williamson, B., Jones, K., Knight, K. F., MacKisack, M., Winlove, C., & Zeman, A. (2021). Behavioral and neural signatures of visual imagery vividness extremes: aphantasia versus hyperphantasia. Cerebral Cortex Communications, 2(2). doi:10.1093/texcom/tgab035
What is the relationship between Aphantasia, Synaesthesia and Autism?
Aphantasia, a lack of visual imagery, can coexist with synaesthesia, affecting its type. People with aphantasia also report more autistic traits, like weak imagination and social skills, suggesting a link between aphantasia, synaesthesia, and autism. Further research is needed to understand these connections.
Dance, C., Jaquiery, M., Eagleman, D., Porteous, D., Zeman, A., & Simner, J. (2021). What is the relationship between aphantasia, synaesthesia and autism?. Consciousness and Cognition, 89, 103087. doi:10.1016/j.concog.2021.103087
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