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Anauralia: The Silent Mind and Its Association With Aphantasia

DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.744213
Hinwar, R. P., & Lambert, A. J. (2021). Anauralia: the silent mind and its association with aphantasia. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.744213

Abstract

Auditory and visual imagery were studied in a sample of 128 participants, including 34 self-reported aphantasics. Auditory imagery (Bucknell Auditory Imagery Scale-Vividness, BAIS-V) and visual imagery (Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire-Modified, VVIQ-M) were strongly associated, Spearman's rho = 0.83: Most self-reported aphantasics also reported weak or entirely absent auditory imagery; and participants lacking auditory imagery tended to be aphantasic. Similarly, vivid visual imagery tended to co-occur with vivid auditory imagery. Nevertheless, the aphantasic group included one individual with typical auditory imagery; and the group lacking auditory imagery (N = 29) included one individual with typical visual imagery. Hence, weak visual and auditory imagery can dissociate, albeit with low apparent incidence. Auditory representations and auditory imagery are thought to play a key role in a wide range of psychological domains, including working memory and memory rehearsal, prospective cognition, thinking, reading, planning, problem-solving, self-regulation, and music. Therefore, self-reports describing an absence of auditory imagery raise a host of important questions concerning the role of phenomenal auditory imagery in these domains. Because there is currently no English word denoting an absence of auditory imagery, we propose a new term, anauralia, for referring to this, and offer suggestions for further research.

Authors

  • Rish P. Hinwar1
  • Anthony J. Lambert1

Exploring the Connection Between Visual and Auditory Imagery

Overview/Introduction

This study investigates the relationship between visual and auditory imagery, focusing on individuals who experience aphantasia (lack of visual imagery) and a newly proposed condition called anauralia (lack of auditory imagery). By examining a group of 128 participants, including 34 self-reported aphantasics, researchers aimed to understand how these two types of imagery are connected and how their absence might affect various cognitive functions.

Methodology

  • Participants: 128 individuals, including 34 self-reported aphantasics, participated in the study.
  • Tools: Two main scales were used to measure imagery vividness:
  • Visual Imagery: Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire-Modified (VVIQ-M)
  • Auditory Imagery: Bucknell Auditory Imagery Scale-Vividness (BAIS-V)
  • Procedure: Participants completed an online survey assessing their visual and auditory imagery vividness. Data were analyzed to explore associations and dissociations between the two types of imagery.

Key Findings

  • Strong Association: There was a strong correlation between visual and auditory imagery vividness (Spearman's rho = 0.83). Most aphantasics also reported weak or absent auditory imagery.
  • Overlap and Dissociation: While most individuals with aphantasia also experienced anauralia, there were exceptions. One aphantasic had typical auditory imagery, and one anauralic had typical visual imagery, indicating that these conditions can sometimes dissociate.
  • New Term: The study introduces the term anauralia to describe the absence of auditory imagery, similar to how aphantasia describes the absence of visual imagery.

Implications

  • Cognitive Impact: The absence of auditory imagery could affect various cognitive processes, such as memory, thinking, and problem-solving. Understanding these impacts could lead to better support for individuals with aphantasia and anauralia.
  • Further Research: The study suggests further exploration into how these imagery deficits affect daily life and cognitive functions.

Limitations

  • Sample Bias: The study's recruitment strategy targeted aphantasia interest groups, which may have influenced the distribution of imagery scores.
  • Low Incidence of Dissociation: While dissociations between visual and auditory imagery were observed, they were rare, limiting the generalizability of these findings.
In conclusion, this research highlights a significant connection between visual and auditory imagery, proposing a new term for the absence of auditory imagery and paving the way for future studies to explore its cognitive implications.