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Mental images can be ambiguous: reconstruals and reference-frame reversals
M A Peterson1, J F Kihlstrom, P M Rose
1Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson 85721.
Memory & Cognition
|March 1, 1992
Summary
Mental images of ambiguous figures can be reversed, especially with cues. This study distinguishes between image reconstruals and reference-frame realignments, finding both occur under specific conditions.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Visual Perception
- Mental Imagery
Background:
- Debate on mental image reversibility compared to pictorial reversals.
- Conflicting empirical evidence exists regarding mental image reversals.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate conditions for mental image reversal of ambiguous figures.
- Differentiate between types of image reversals: reconstruals and reference-frame realignments.
- Explore factors influencing image reversibility.
Main Methods:
- Conducted four experiments using classic ambiguous figures (e.g., duck/rabbit).
- Distinguished between 'reconstruals' and 'reference-frame realignments' in mental imagery.
- Analyzed the impact of explicit/implicit suggestions and image 'part quality' on reversal.
Main Results:
- Reference-frame realignments in mental imagery are possible with explicit or implicit suggestions.
- Image reconstruals occur frequently, irrespective of experimental conditions.
- Images composed of 'good parts' are more reversible than those with 'poor parts'.
Conclusions:
- Propose a functional organization of shape memory explaining both image reversal and recognition findings.
- Mental image reversal is condition-dependent, influenced by suggestion and image structure.
- Findings contribute to understanding the mechanisms of visual mental imagery and memory.