Effect of images in six sense modalities on detection of visual signal from noise

Abstract

Ss were asked to generate images in six different sense modalities, and a visual display was presented while they were imaging. The display consisted of a geometric pattern, and a small dim colored figure was present within the pattern on half the trials. Ss’ ability to detect the figure was compared in the imaging task and in a standard discrimination task without imagery. Sensitivity (d’) was significantly poorer during imaging than during discrimination, was worse during visual imagery than during imagery of auditory, olfactory, gustatory, tactile, or kinesthetic objects, and was worse with images of relatively unfamiliar items. This phenomenon seems due to selective attentional effects.