Vividness of Image and Retrieval Time

Abstract

The relationship between vividness of image and information-retrieval time was examined. In an integrated-image condition the retrieval time for a vivid-image set was shorter than the retrieval time for a dim-image set; on the other hand, there was no difference in retrieval time between vivid- and dim-image sets in a verbal-rehearsal condition. Since the retrieval time difference between the two sets in the integrated-image group was not an artifact of image-construction time or presentation position, it was concluded that vividness of image affected information-retrieval time in the integrated-image group. The results were explained in terms of a picture-metaphor hypothesis of imagery.