Riley, S.N. & Davies, J. (2023). Vividness as the similarity between generated imagery and an internal model. Brain and Cognition, 169, 105988, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bandc.2023.105988

• Theory that vividness levels are due to degree of match between a mental image and the model in the mind that generated it

BibTex Entry:

@Article{Davies, 
  author = 	 {Riley, Sean N. and Davies, Jim}, 
  title = 	 {Vividness as the similarity between generated imagery and an internal model}, 
  journal = 	 {Brain and Cognition}, 
  year = 	 {2023}, 
  volume = 	 {169}, 
  number = 	 {105988}, 
  pages = 	 {1-9}, 
  note = 	 {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bandc.2023.105988}, 
  annote = 	 {}
}

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Abstract

Vividness in visual mental imagery has been relatively under-explored compared to imagery’s representational format and neural mechanisms. In this paper, we take a deeper look at vividness and suggest that in re-framing it, we can potentially reconcile disparate findings regarding visual cortex activation during imagery. Unlike traditional views of vividness that define the concept in terms of perception, we frame vividness in terms of imagery’s relation to an internal model; the closer the generated imagery is to this model, the more vivid it is. This view is considered alongside existing neuroscientific, psychological, and philosophical research, as well as directions for future research.