The relationship between mental imagery and memory

This research project seeks to investigate the contribution of mental imagery on memory recall.

Mental imagery appears to be an inherent part of our conscious experience, yet recent research has questioned the function of mental imagery.

Previous literature has found conflicting results but suggests that those who reportedly lack mental imagery entirely (aphantasics) are able to perform cognitive tasks indistinguishably from those with intact mental imagery.

Specifically, within memory, aphantasics still report episodic and autobiographical events, albeit with lesser detail, despite having no apparent conscious access to the 'mind's eye'. This begs several questions.

Firstly, how can aphantasics perform akin to those with vivid mental images if they seemingly lack an intrinsic part of consciousness? Secondly, to what extent do mental images act as a useful cognitive tool regarding memory?

If there is no apparent difference between those who report using mental images and those that lack them entirely, this may suggest that the mind is an epiphenomenal feature of consciousness, and not fundamental to our cognition. A novel method is proposed to assess visual and spatial mental imagery vividness, and memory recall accuracy.

Analyses will seek to establish relationships between memory performance and mental imagery.

Findings will contribute to our understanding of mental imagery and provide further insight into the subjective experience of remembering. Furthermore, inferences relating to cognition, conscious experience, and clinical literature may be made.

Subsequent experimentation may investigate the neuropsychology of mental imagery and the properties and factors which may modulate the relationship between memory and mental imagery.