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Where’s Wanda? The influence of visual imagery vividness on visual search speed measured by means of hidden object pictures

DOI: 10.3758/s13414-022-02645-6
Monzel, M., & Reuter, M. (2024). Where’s wanda? the influence of visual imagery vividness on visual search speed measured by means of hidden object pictures. Attention, Perception, & Psychophysics, 86(1), 22–27. doi:10.3758/s13414-022-02645-6

Abstract

Previous research demonstrated effects of visual imagery on search speed in visual search paradigms. However, these effects were rather small, questioning their ecological validity. Thus, our present study aimed to generalize these effects to more naturalistic material (i.e., a paradigm that allows for top-down strategies in highly complex visual search displays that include overlapping stimuli while simultaneously avoiding possibly confounding search instructions). One hundred and four participants with aphantasia (= absence of voluntary mental imagery) and 104 gender and age-matched controls were asked to find hidden objects in several hidden object pictures with search times recorded. Results showed that people with aphantasia were significantly slower than controls, even when controlling for age and general processing speed. Thus, effects of visual imagery might be strong enough to influence the perception of our real-life surroundings, probably because of the involvement of visual imagery in several top-down strategies.

Authors

  • Merlin Monzel23
  • Martin Reuter15

Overview/Introduction

Have you ever wondered how some people can quickly spot hidden objects in a picture while others take a bit longer? This difference might be linked to how vividly we can visualize things in our mind. A recent study explored how the ability to create mental images, or visual imagery, affects our ability to find hidden objects in complex pictures. The study focused on people with aphantasia, a condition where individuals cannot voluntarily create mental images, and compared them to those who can.

Methodology

To investigate this, researchers recruited 208 participants, half of whom had aphantasia, while the other half did not. These participants were asked to find hidden objects in a series of complex pictures. The researchers recorded how long it took each person to find the objects. By comparing the two groups, the study aimed to understand the role of visual imagery in everyday visual search tasks.

Key Findings

  • Slower Search Times for Aphantasia: People with aphantasia took significantly longer to find hidden objects compared to those who could visualize images in their minds.
  • Impact of Visual Imagery: The vividness of visual imagery was linked to faster search times, suggesting that those who can create clearer mental images are quicker at spotting hidden objects.
  • Age and Processing Speed: While age initially appeared to slow down search speed, this effect was explained by general processing speed, meaning that older participants were generally slower due to overall slower cognitive processing.

Implications

The findings suggest that the ability to visualize images in our mind can significantly impact how we perceive and interact with our surroundings. This could have practical implications in fields like education and design, where visual imagery might be harnessed to improve learning and user experience. For individuals with aphantasia, understanding these differences could lead to strategies that compensate for the lack of mental imagery.

Limitations

While the study provides valuable insights, it's important to note that it was conducted online, which may introduce variables like distractions that could affect the results. Additionally, the study focused on a specific type of visual search task, so further research is needed to see if these findings apply to other real-world scenarios.
In conclusion, this study highlights the significant role that visual imagery plays in how we process visual information, offering a deeper understanding of the cognitive differences in people with and without aphantasia.