COG 10 Understanding Mental Imagery and Its Effects on Memory

Spatial view of mental imagery

It's like a picture in the mind, similar to seeing a map or visualizing a scene.

Propositional view of mental imagery

Mental images are stored like language or facts, not as pictures.

Difference between spatial and propositional views

Spatial is visual/picture-like; propositional is abstract/language-based.

Concreteness effect

words (like 'apple') are easier to remember than abstract ones (like 'freedom').

Picture superiority effect

are remembered better than words because they are coded visually and verbally.

Paivio's dual-coding theory

Info is stored in two ways—visually and verbally—making recall easier.

Bizarreness effect

Strange or weird images (like a dancing elephant) are easier to remember.

Memory aids of concreteness, picture superiority, and bizarreness

They make info more vivid, meaningful, or emotional—so it's easier to remember.

Imagery in the method of loci

You imagine placing info in familiar locations to help you recall it.

Imagery in the pegword mnemonic

You link items with rhyming words and mental pictures to boost memory.

Imagery in problem-solving

It lets you mentally visualize steps and solutions before acting.

Scenographic imagery

It's like a mental photo from your experience, used for familiar routes.

Abstract imagery

It's a general idea or mental map, helpful for new routes.

Difference between scenographic and abstract imagery

one is experience-based; and the other is more flexible and map-like.

Motor imagery

Mentally rehearsing a movement without actually doing it.

Motor imagery and performance

It activates similar brain areas as real movement, enhancing skills.

Imagery and social interactions

Imagining situations or helping others boosts empathy and willingness to help.

Imagery and moral decisions

Visual thinkers favor individual rights; verbal thinkers focus on the greater good.

Vivid imagery and moral judgments

It makes harm feel more real, leading to more emotional, individual-focused choices.

Imagery and pro-social behavior

Imagining helping increases empathy and the willingness to actually help.

Imagery boosting helping behavior

Vivid, detailed mental images of helping boost intention to act.