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Mental imagery and visual attentional templates: A dissociation

DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2023.09.014
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

Abstract

There is a growing interest in the relationship between mental images and attentional templates as both are considered pictorial representations that involve similar neural mechanisms. Here, we investigated the role of mental imagery in the automatic implementation of attentional templates and their effect on involuntary attention. We developed a novel version of the contingent capture paradigm designed to encourage the generation of a new template on each trial and measure contingent spatial capture by a template-matching visual feature (color). Participants were required to search at four different locations for a specific object indicated at the start of each trial. Immediately prior to the search display, color cues were presented surrounding the potential target locations, one of which matched the target color (e.g., red for strawberry). Across three experiments, our task induced a robust contingent capture effect, reflected by faster responses when the target appeared in the location previously occupied by the target-matching cue. Contrary to our predictions, this effect remained consistent regardless of self-reported individual differences in visual mental imagery (Experiment 1, N = 216) or trial-by-trial variation of voluntary imagery vividness (Experiment 2, N = 121). Moreover, contingent capture was observed even among aphantasic participants, who report no imagery (Experiment 3, N = 91). The magnitude of the effect was not reduced in aphantasics compared to a control sample of non-aphantasics, although the two groups reported substantial differences in their search strategy and exhibited differences in overall speed and accuracy. Our results hence establish a dissociation between the generation and implementation of attentional templates for a visual feature (color) and subjectively experienced imagery.

Authors

  • Giulia Cabbai2
  • Chris R.H. Brown1
  • Carla Dance8
  • Julia Simner8
  • Sophie Forster2

Overview/Introduction

This research explores the intriguing connection between mental imagery and attentional templates—mental guides that help us focus on relevant visual information. The study examines whether the ability to visualize images in the mind influences how we automatically focus on certain visual features, like color, when searching for objects.

Methodology

The researchers conducted three experiments using a novel version of the contingent capture paradigm. Participants had to search for specific objects, like a "lemon," among distractors. Before the search, color cues were shown, one matching the target's color. The study measured how quickly participants responded when the target appeared where the color cue had been. Participants included those with varying abilities to visualize images, including aphantasics, who report no mental imagery.
  • Experiment 1: Assessed individual differences in self-reported imagery ability.
  • Experiment 2: Participants rated the vividness of their mental imagery on each trial.
  • Experiment 3: Focused on aphantasic participants to see if they also experienced the contingent capture effect.

Key Findings

  • Consistent Effect: Across all experiments, participants responded faster when the target appeared in the location of the color-matching cue, demonstrating a robust contingent capture effect.
  • Imagery Ability: Surprisingly, the effect was consistent regardless of participants' self-reported imagery abilities or the vividness of their mental images.
  • Aphantasia: Even aphantasic participants, who do not experience mental imagery, showed the same level of contingent capture as those who do visualize images.

Implications

These findings suggest that the ability to visualize images in the mind does not influence the automatic use of attentional templates. This challenges the idea that mental imagery and attentional templates share common mechanisms. The study highlights a dissociation between the subjective experience of imagery and the underlying cognitive processes that guide attention.

Limitations

While the study was comprehensive, it was conducted online, which may introduce variability in how participants understood and followed instructions. Additionally, the reliance on self-reported imagery ability could be subjective, although the findings were consistent across different measures of imagery.
In conclusion, this research provides valuable insights into how our brains use attentional templates independently of our ability to visualize images, offering a new perspective on the cognitive processes involved in attention and perception.