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Color Processing in Synesthesia: What Synesthesia Can and Cannot Tell Us About Mechanisms of Color Processing.
Agnieszka B Janik McErlean1,2, Michael J Banissy2
1Department of Psychology, James Cook University.
Topics in Cognitive Science
|December 13, 2016
Summary
Synesthetic color experiences may involve higher-order cognitive processes beyond perception. Imagery and color memory could contribute to these unique sensory associations.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Sensory Perception
Background:
- Synesthesia, particularly color synesthesia, has been traditionally viewed as a perceptual phenomenon.
- Emerging research indicates that higher-order cognitive functions play a role in synesthetic experiences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the distinction between synesthetic color experiences and veridical color processing.
- To investigate the influence of synesthesia on actual color perception.
- To examine the potential role of non-perceptual cognitive processes, such as mental imagery and color memory, in generating synesthetic color experiences.
Main Methods:
- This study is a discussion and theoretical review based on existing evidence.
- It synthesizes findings from cognitive psychology and neuroscience research on synesthesia.
- It analyzes the interplay between perceptual and cognitive factors in synesthetic color.
Main Results:
- Synesthetic color experiences differ from and can influence veridical color processing.
- Non-perceptual cognitive functions, including imagery and memory, are implicated in the formation of synesthetic color.
Conclusions:
- Synesthetic color experiences are not solely perceptual but involve higher-order cognitive functions.
- Mental imagery and color memory are key contributors to the elicitation of synesthetic color perception.
- A cognitive framework is necessary to fully understand the mechanisms underlying synesthesia.
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