Individual Differences in Mental Imagery Processes.

Abstract : Stephen Kosslyn (1980) developed a theory of mental imagery that specifies the nature of the information structure and the processes that operate on the structure. Six tasks were developed to measure processes postulated in the theory. Seventy-nine adult subjects completed these basic process tasks, eight spatial ability tests, three self-report tests, and both free-recall and cued-recall memory tests. Analyses focussed on the relationships with performance on the basic process tasks. Performance on spatial ability tests was consistently related to mental rotation and image integration abilities, suggesting that these processes are involved in spatial reasoning. Efficiency of image generation was related to spatial ability performance when a spatial representation was presented verbally rather than pictorially. Memory performance and self reports of imagery control and vividness were weakly related to basic imagery processes. (Author)