Functional Similarity of Imaging to Perceiving: Individual Differences in Vividness of Imagery

Abstract

Ss vary in the degree of vividness of their imagery. It is hypothesized that different degrees of correspondence between imaging and perceptual behavior are associated with individual differences in reported vividness of imagery. Results support the hypothesis of a functional similarity between imaging and perceiving. Vivid imagers behave in a way similar to the way they behave when they perceive; poor imagers behave in both a similar and dissimilar fashion. Vivid imagery reinstitutes the accuracy of the perceiving process. Differences in experience with the object imaged do not account for the variation in vividness, although familiarity with the stimulus has some effect on the quality of imagery expressed. Familiarity with the object imaged makes for more vivid imagery only in those Ss who have the capacity to image vividly.