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Assessing vividness of mental imagery: The Plymouth Sensory Imagery Questionnaire

DOI: 10.1111/bjop.12050
Andrade, J., May, J., Deeprose, C., Baugh, S., & Ganis, G. (2014). Assessing vividness of mental imagery: the plymouth sensory imagery questionnaire. British Journal of Psychology, 105(4), 547–563. doi:10.1111/bjop.12050

Abstract

Mental imagery may occur in any sensory modality, although visual imagery has been most studied. A sensitive measure of the vividness of imagery across a range of modalities is needed: the shorter version of Bett's Questionnaire upon Mental Imagery (Sheehan, , J. Clin. Psychology, 23, 386) uses outdated items and has an unreliable factor structure. We report the development and initial validation of the Plymouth Sensory Imagery Questionnaire (Psi‐Q) comprising items for each of the following modalities: Vision, Sound, Smell, Taste, Touch, Bodily Sensation, and Emotional Feeling. An exploratory factor analysis on a 35‐item form indicated that these modalities formed separate factors, rather than a single imagery factor, and this was replicated by confirmatory factor analysis. The Psi‐Q was validated against the Spontaneous Use of Imagery Scale (Reisberg et al., , Appl. Cogn. Psychology, 17, 147) and Marks' (, J. Mental Imagery, 19, 153) Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire‐2 (VVIQ‐2). A short 21‐item form comprising the best three items from the seven factors correlated with the total score and subscales of the full form, and with the VVIQ‐2. Inspection of the data shows that while visual and sound imagery is most often rated as vivid, individuals who rate one modality as strong and the other as weak are not uncommon. Findings are interpreted within a working memory framework and point to the need for further research to identify the specific cognitive processes underlying the vividness of imagery across sensory modalities.

Authors

  • Jackie Andrade1
  • Jon May1
  • Catherine Deeprose1
  • Sarah‐Jane Baugh1
  • Giorgio Ganis1

Overview/Introduction

Mental imagery, often described as "seeing with the mind's eye" or "hearing with the mind's ear," plays a significant role in our cognitive functions, such as motivation, problem-solving, and emotional well-being. While visual imagery has been extensively studied, imagery can occur in any sensory modality, including sound, smell, taste, touch, bodily sensation, and emotional feeling. To better understand and measure this phenomenon, researchers developed the Plymouth Sensory Imagery Questionnaire (Psi-Q), a tool designed to assess the vividness of mental imagery across multiple sensory modalities.

Methodology

The study involved the development and validation of the Psi-Q, which consists of items representing seven sensory modalities. Participants rated the vividness of their mental imagery on an 11-point scale. The researchers conducted an exploratory factor analysis to determine whether these modalities formed distinct factors. They also validated the Psi-Q against existing measures like the Spontaneous Use of Imagery Scale and the Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire-2. A shorter 21-item version of the Psi-Q was also tested for its effectiveness.

Key Findings

  • The Psi-Q successfully identified seven distinct factors corresponding to different sensory modalities, rather than a single imagery factor.
  • Visual and sound imagery were most often rated as vivid, but individuals showed variability, with some rating one modality as strong and another as weak.
  • The short 21-item version of the Psi-Q correlated well with the full version and existing imagery scales, indicating its reliability.
  • The study found that vision and touch were the easiest modalities for people to imagine, while taste and smell were the hardest.

Implications

The Psi-Q provides a comprehensive tool for assessing the vividness of mental imagery across multiple sensory modalities. This can enhance research in cognitive science, neuroscience, and clinical settings by offering insights into how different types of imagery contribute to cognitive and emotional processes. Understanding individual differences in imagery vividness can also inform personalized approaches in therapy and education.

Limitations

While the Psi-Q shows promise, further research is needed to explore the specific cognitive processes underlying imagery vividness across modalities. Additionally, the study's reliance on self-reported data may introduce biases, and the sample may not fully represent the general population. Future studies should aim to address these limitations and further validate the Psi-Q in diverse contexts.