Research Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education

An Exploratory Study of Undergraduate Students' Perceptions of Visualization and Visualization Ability in Biochemistry

McVay and MooringMarch 2026

Abstract
What This Study Is About
How They Studied It
What They Found
What This Might Mean
One Interesting Detail
Authors
Cite this paper

Abstract

This qualitative study explored undergraduate biochemistry students' perceptions of visualization, their mindset beliefs, and challenges in engaging with visual representations. Ten student interviews and two instructor interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. Students focused on external visualizations, while instructors emphasized internal mental imagery. Some students expressed growth mindset beliefs. However, fixed mindset beliefs about visualization were common among students with self‐perceived aphantasia. Findings suggest the need for targeted instructional strategies to foster visual literacy, support diverse visualization abilities, and align student–instructor expectations.

Our summary in plain words

What This Study Is About

This study explores how biochemistry students and instructors understand "visualization"—the ability to work with and create mental or physical images of complex molecules. Researchers specifically looked at how students with aphantasia (the inability to see images in the mind) navigate a subject that relies heavily on picturing invisible processes.

How They Studied It

The researchers interviewed 15 undergraduate students and 3 instructors from a biochemistry course at a large university. Participants were asked what "visualization" meant to them and how they used it to learn or teach. The researchers also used a questionnaire to identify students with aphantasia and measured their "mindset"—whether they believed their visualization skills could improve with practice or were fixed traits.

What They Found

The study found a significant gap between how teachers and students view the subject. Instructors saw visualization as a vital professional skill that can be developed, while some students viewed it as a natural talent they either had or lacked. Notably, 20% of the students interviewed identified as having aphantasia. These students often felt they could not improve their internal "mental picturing" and instead relied more on external tools, like drawing diagrams or using physical models, to understand the material.

What This Might Mean

The findings suggest that biochemistry education may be unintentionally difficult for aphantasic students if instructors assume everyone can "see" molecules in their heads. It highlights the need for teachers to be more explicit about using external representations—like 3D models and drawings—rather than just mental imagery. While the small group size means we can't apply these results to all students, it suggests that teaching multiple ways to "visualize" could help everyone succeed, regardless of their mental imagery strength.

One Interesting Detail

The researchers found that students with aphantasia often had a "growth mindset" for other people—believing others could improve their imagery—but a "fixed mindset" for themselves, believing their own lack of a mental eye was a permanent barrier they couldn't change.

This summary was written with AI and may contain errors. Check the original paper.

Authors

Andrew McVay
Department of Chemistry Georgia State University Atlanta Georgia USA
1 paper in the library
Suazette Mooring
Department of Chemistry Georgia State University Atlanta Georgia USA
1 paper in the library

Cite this paper

McVay, A., & Mooring, S. (2026). An exploratory study of undergraduate students' perceptions of visualization and visualization ability in biochemistry. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education. doi:10.1002/bmb.70052

Topics

Most-cited researchers

Recruit participants for your study

We can help you reach people across the imagery spectrum, from aphantasia to hyperphantasia.

Partner with us

Image-Free Insights

A short note from our founder, Tom Ebeyer, every other week, plus occasional news and invitations to take part in studies. Change what you get from any email.

Research Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education

An Exploratory Study of Undergraduate Students' Perceptions of Visualization and Visualization Ability in Biochemistry

McVay and MooringMarch 2026

Read the paper

Abstract
What This Study Is About
How They Studied It
What They Found
What This Might Mean
One Interesting Detail
Authors
Cite this paper

Abstract

Our summary in plain words

What This Study Is About

How They Studied It

What They Found

What This Might Mean

One Interesting Detail

This summary was written with AI and may contain errors. Check the original paper.

Authors

Andrew McVay
Department of Chemistry Georgia State University Atlanta Georgia USA
1 paper in the library
Suazette Mooring
Department of Chemistry Georgia State University Atlanta Georgia USA
1 paper in the library

Cite this paper

Topics

Most-cited researchers

Recruit participants for your study

We can help you reach people across the imagery spectrum, from aphantasia to hyperphantasia.

Partner with us

More research

All research

2026

Exploring the experiences of autistic and non-autistic aphantasics: A qualitative study

Zhong and colleagues · Neuropsychologia

Autistic aphantasics are more likely to be verbal thinkers, while non-autistic aphantasics report more intact multisensory imagery. This highlights how neurodivergence shapes the diverse cognitive and emotional lived experiences of aphantasia.

2026

What If Your Mind's Eye Can't See?

Stewart and Brick Taft · Journal of the International Society for Teacher Education

In one school, 13.8% of 94 fourth graders scored in the aphantasia range and 27.7% in the hyperphantasia range, both above adult estimates. The authors suggest teachers offer strategies that do not rely on picturing.

2026

Age differences in visual and multisensory imagery: Notes on distributions of aphantasia and hyperphantasia in individuals aged 20s–70s

Takahashi, Omura and Sugimura · Neuropsychologia

Older adults reported more vivid visual and multisensory imagery, while aphantasia was more prevalent in younger groups. This suggests that age should be considered when identifying aphantasia and setting diagnostic thresholds.

Image-Free Insights

A short note from our founder, Tom Ebeyer, every other week, plus occasional news and invitations to take part in studies. Change what you get from any email.