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Revisiting the blind mind: Still no evidence for sensory visual imagery in individuals with aphantasia

DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2024.01.008
Keogh, R., & Pearson, J. (2024). Revisiting the blind mind: still no evidence for sensory visual imagery in individuals with aphantasia. Neuroscience Research, 201, 27–30. doi:10.1016/j.neures.2024.01.008

Abstract

The inability to visualise was given the name aphantasia in 2015 by Zeman and colleagues. In 2018 we published research showing that fifteen individuals who self-identified as having aphantasia also demonstrated a lack of sensory visual imagery when undergoing the binocular rivalry imagery paradigm, suggesting more than just a metacognitive difference. Here we update these findings with over fifty participants with aphantasia and show that there is evidence for a lack of sensory imagery in aphantasia. How the binocular rivalry paradigm scores relate to the vividness of visual imagery questionnaire (VVIQ) and how aphantasia can be confirmed is discussed.

Authors

  • Rebecca Keogh14
  • Joel Pearson28

Understanding Aphantasia: Insights from Recent Research

Overview/Introduction

Aphantasia is a condition where individuals are unable to visualize images in their minds. This term was first introduced in 2015, and since then, researchers have been exploring its characteristics and implications. This study expands on previous research by examining over fifty individuals with aphantasia to understand their sensory visual imagery capabilities. The research uses a method called the binocular rivalry imagery paradigm to assess whether people with aphantasia truly lack sensory imagery or if it's merely a difference in self-awareness or metacognition.

Methodology

The study involved a group of over fifty participants who identified as having aphantasia. Researchers used the binocular rivalry imagery paradigm, a technique where participants wear special glasses to view overlapping images and are asked to imagine specific patterns. The vividness of their mental imagery was assessed using the Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire (VVIQ). Participants were asked to indicate which image was dominant in their perception, and their responses were compared to a control group from the general population.

Key Findings

  • Individuals with aphantasia scored significantly lower on imagery strength compared to the general population, indicating a lack of sensory visual imagery.
  • The study confirmed that, as a group, individuals with aphantasia did not show evidence of sensory imagery above chance levels.
  • Approximately 12% of participants with aphantasia showed some level of imagery, suggesting possible unconscious visual imagery or differences in self-evaluation.
  • The research supports the idea that aphantasia is more than just a difference in self-awareness, as it involves a genuine lack of sensory imagery.

Implications

  • For Individuals: Understanding aphantasia can help individuals recognize their unique cognitive experiences and seek appropriate support or strategies for tasks that typically rely on visualization.
  • For Researchers: The study emphasizes the need for objective measures to confirm aphantasia, beyond self-identification and questionnaires. Future research could explore other methods, such as neuroimaging, to further understand this condition.
  • For Educators and Psychologists: Awareness of aphantasia can inform teaching methods and therapeutic approaches, ensuring they are inclusive of individuals with different cognitive processing styles.

Limitations

  • The study relies heavily on self-reported data, which can be subjective. While the binocular rivalry paradigm offers some objectivity, further research with larger and more diverse samples is needed.
  • The findings are based on a specific experimental setup, which may not capture all aspects of visual imagery or its absence.
In conclusion, this research provides valuable insights into aphantasia, confirming that it involves a genuine lack of sen...