Mental Imagery
Our ability to mentally recreate perceptual experience in the absence of a sensory stimulus.
Dual-Coding Theory
Human knowledge is represented in two separate imagery systems - Non-Verbal & Verbal
Non-Verbal System
Based on sensory-motor information, image system.
Verbal System
Abstract, symbolic, language without images.
Depictive Representations
Maintains perceptual and spatial characteristics of objects.
Descriptive Representation
Symbolic codes that convey abstract conceptual information. Mental images are by-product of coding process in the brain.
Epiphenomenon
By-products of more fundamental cognitive processes.
Propositions
Statements about the image (used in descriptive processing)
Mental Scanning
If visual images are analog codes of physical stimuli, then it should take more time to travel longer physical distances and longer to process larger mental distances.
Mental Rotation
Being able to rotate an object in ones mind.
Mental Scaling
How much an object one can see depends on the size of the object and the distance from the viewer. (Think of elephant and cat)
Motion Aftereffects
Illusory visual effects that occur after prolonged viewing of stimulus. Seeing image while eyes are closed.
Experimenter Expectancy
Researchers inadvertently convey the anticipated results of the experiment to Ps, altering behaviour.
Demand Characteristics
Ps form an interpretation of the researcher’s purpose and subconsciously changes their behaviour.
Perception
Higher-level brain area (PFC sends top-down signals to perceptual processing areas
Imagery
A re-enacted perceptual experience where the same neurons are activated by frontal brain areas instead of stimulus.
Multivoxel Pattern Analysis
Able to correctly determine which objects participants were imaging based on patterns of brain activity.
Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN’s)
Artificial neural nets that work by putting two ANN’s in competition with each other. Generates Deepfakes
Picture Superiority Effect
Memory is better when items are stored as pictures compared to words.
Concreteness Effect
Concrete words (easy to imagine) are remembered better than abstract words (harder to visualize).
Imagery & PTSD
Negative intrusive imagery is a characteristic traits of individual with PTSD
Re-experiencing traumatic events involving involuntary and unwanted memories.
Anxiety Disorders
Associated with increase of negative imagery of future events.
Depressive Disorders
Associated with increase of negative imagery.
Imagery Rescripting
A technique to help treat mental disorders linked to abnormal mental imagery. Replace negative memories with positive ones.
