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A New Measure of Imagination Ability: Anatomical Brain Imaging Correlates

DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00496
Jung, R. E., Flores, R. A., & Hunter, D. (2016). A new measure of imagination ability: anatomical brain imaging correlates. Frontiers in Psychology, 7. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00496

Abstract

Imagination involves episodic memory retrieval, visualization, mental simulation, spatial navigation, and future thinking, making it a complex cognitive construct. Prior studies of imagination have attempted to study various elements of imagination (e.g., visualization), but none have attempted to capture the entirety of imagination ability in a single instrument. Here we describe the Hunter Imagination Questionnaire (HIQ), an instrument designed to assess imagination over an extended period of time, in a naturalistic manner. We hypothesized that the HIQ would be related to measures of creative achievement and to a network of brain regions previously identified to be important to imagination/creative abilities. Eighty subjects were administered the HIQ in an online format; all subjects were administered a broad battery of tests including measures of intelligence, personality, and aptitude, as well as structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging (sMRI). Responses of the HIQ were found to be normally distributed, and exploratory factor analysis yielded four factors. Internal consistency of the HIQ ranged from 0.76 to 0.79, and two factors (“Implementation” and “Learning”) were significantly related to measures of Creative Achievement (Scientific—r = 0.26 and Writing—r = 0.31, respectively), suggesting concurrent validity. We found that the HIQ and its factors were related to a broad network of brain volumes including increased bilateral hippocampi, lingual gyrus, and caudal/rostral middle frontal lobe, and decreased volumes within the nucleus accumbens and regions within the default mode network (e.g., precuneus, posterior cingulate, transverse temporal lobe). The HIQ was found to be a reliable and valid measure of imagination in a cohort of normal human subjects, and was related to brain volumes previously identified as central to imagination including episodic memory retrieval (e.g., hippocampus). We also identified compelling evidence suggesting imagination ability linked to decreased volumes involving the nucleus accumbens and regions within the default mode network. Future research will be important to assess the stability of this instrument in different populations, as well as the complex interaction between imagination and creativity in the human brain.

Authors

  • Rex E. Jung1
  • Ranee A. Flores1
  • Dan Hunter1

Understanding Imagination: A New Approach

Overview/Introduction

Imagination is a fascinating and complex mental ability that involves recalling past experiences, visualizing new scenarios, and thinking about the future. Despite its complexity, no single tool has been able to measure the full scope of imagination—until now. Researchers have developed the Hunter Imagination Questionnaire (HIQ), a new tool designed to assess imagination in a natural and comprehensive way. This study aimed to explore how the HIQ relates to creative achievements and specific brain regions linked to imagination.

Methodology

The study involved 80 participants who completed the HIQ online. They also underwent various tests measuring intelligence, personality, and aptitude, along with brain scans using structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging (sMRI). The HIQ was designed to capture imagination over time, asking participants to think about future goals and visualize different scenes. The researchers then analyzed the participants' responses and brain images to find patterns and connections.

Key Findings

  • The HIQ responses were normally distributed, indicating a wide range of imagination abilities among participants.
  • Four main factors were identified in the HIQ: Satisfaction, Implementation, Learning, and Process.
  • The HIQ showed good reliability, with internal consistency scores ranging from 0.76 to 0.79.
  • Two factors, Implementation and Learning, were significantly related to creative achievements in science and writing.
  • Brain scans revealed that imagination is linked to specific brain regions, such as the hippocampus (related to memory), lingual gyrus, and parts of the frontal lobe.
  • Interestingly, decreased volumes in the nucleus accumbens and areas within the default mode network were also associated with imagination.

Implications

The HIQ offers a new way to measure imagination, providing insights into how our brains support this complex ability. By linking imagination to specific brain regions, this study enhances our understanding of creativity and cognitive processes. The findings could have practical applications in education and creativity training, helping individuals harness their imaginative potential.

Limitations

While the study provides valuable insights, it has some limitations:
  • The sample size was relatively small, which may affect the generalizability of the findings.
  • Participants were primarily from science and technology fields, which might influence the results related to creative achievements.
In conclusion, the HIQ represents a significant step forward in measuring imagination and understanding its relationship with brain function. Future research could explore how imagination varies across different populations and its role in creativity and problem-solving.