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Diversity of aphantasia revealed by multiple assessments of the capability for multi-sensory imagery

DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-1703706/v1
Takahashi, J., Saito, G., Omura, K., Yasunaga, D., Sugimura, S., Sakamoto, S., Horikawa, T., & Gyoba, J. (n.d.). Diversity of aphantasia revealed by multiple assessments of the capability for multi-sensory imagery. doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-1703706/v1

Abstract

Aphantasia is a characteristic in which people with normal perception have difficulty constructing their imagination. Most previous studies have used the Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire (VVIQ), with some using self-identification of the absence of visual imagery, but there is a discrepancy between the proportions of aphantasia in the population calculated by these two criteria. It is unclear why this difference exists and how many people actually cannot form imagery. Moreover, because visual imagery is mainly focused upon, other types of aphantasia, relating to multi-sensory imagery, have not been fully investigated. We conducted an online sampling with a large number of participants (N = 2,885) to compare the proportions of aphantasia calculated by these two visual criteria, obtaining data from the same participants, and investigate the cognitive profile of multi-sensory imagery. The participants completed the VVIQ and Questionnaire upon Mental Imagery (QMI) and self-identified an absence of visual imagery. The proportions were 3.67% under the VVIQ criteria (VVIQ ≤ 32) and 12.24% under the self-identification of the absence of visual imagery criteria, roughly replicating the proportions of previous reports. Combining these visual criteria, in the group for low VVIQ (VVIQ ≤ 32), some participants showed the absence of all sensory imagery, while others showed specifically an absence of visual imagery. Individuals with aphantasia, identified by visual criteria, may have been mixed with those experiencing multi-sensory aphantasia. Our present study indicates that visual criteria are not sufficient to define multiple types of aphantasia and proposes that evaluations with multi-sensory imagery may help further characterize aphantasia for other types of sensory modality.

Authors

  • Junichi Takahashi1
  • Godai Saito1
  • Kazufumi Omura1
  • Daichi Yasunaga1
  • Shinichiro Sugimura1
  • Shuichi Sakamoto1
  • Tomoyasu Horikawa1
  • Jiro Gyoba1

Understanding Aphantasia: A Study on Imagery and Imagination

Overview/Introduction

Aphantasia is a condition where individuals, despite having normal perception, struggle to create mental images. This study explores the prevalence and nature of aphantasia, focusing on both visual and multi-sensory imagery. Previous research primarily used the Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire (VVIQ) to identify aphantasia, but discrepancies in prevalence rates suggest the need for a broader approach. This study aims to clarify these differences and provide a more comprehensive understanding of aphantasia.

Methodology

  • Participants: 2,885 individuals participated in an online survey.
  • Tools Used:
  • VVIQ: A questionnaire assessing the vividness of visual imagery on a scale of 16 to 80, with lower scores indicating weaker imagery.
  • Self-identification: Participants reported their ability to form visual images.
  • Questionnaire upon Mental Imagery (QMI): Assessed multi-sensory imagery across seven modalities, including visual, auditory, and olfactory imagery.

Key Findings

  • Prevalence Discrepancy:
  • 3.67% of participants met the VVIQ criteria for aphantasia.
  • 12.24% self-identified as having no visual imagery.
  • Multi-Sensory Imagery: Some individuals lacked all sensory imagery, while others specifically lacked visual imagery but could form other sensory images.
  • Criteria Limitations: The VVIQ alone may not fully capture the diversity of aphantasia, potentially overlooking individuals with multi-sensory aphantasia.

Implications

  • Broader Assessment Needed: Evaluations should include both self-identification and multi-sensory imagery assessments to accurately identify and understand different types of aphantasia.
  • Practical Applications: Improved identification methods can aid in recruiting participants for studies on perception and cognition, leading to better support and resources for individuals with aphantasia.

Limitations

  • Cultural Context: The study was conducted with Japanese participants, which may affect the generalizability of the findings to other populations.
  • Self-Report Bias: Reliance on self-reported data can introduce bias, as individuals may not accurately assess their own imagery capabilities.
This research highlights the complexity of aphantasia and underscores the importance of using diverse methods to capture its full spectrum. By doing so, we can better understand how people experience and process mental imagery, paving the way for more inclusive and effective cognitive research.