The orthographic mind: Orthographic imagery propensity correlates with semantic structure and sensory sensitivity

Individuals differ in their habitual use of internal representational modes, including visual imagery, internal verbalization, and orthographic imagery (the mental simulation of written word forms). The present research examined whether such internal representational propensities relate to semantic organization and external information engagement. Across two studies (total N = 1,399), we assessed individuals' internal representational modes using the Internal Representations Questionnaire and examined their associations with semantic structure (nine-word semantic rating experiments; N = 1,109) and external information engagement (sensory-processing sensitivity and mobile app usage). Orthographic imagery showed robust associations with both semantic geometry and external information engagement patterns: Individuals with stronger orthographic imagery showed greater cross-category semantic association strength, lower semantic conformity, and lower sensory-processing sensitivity. Internal verbalization was positively associated with within-category semantic cohesion, while visual imagery showed no reliable associations with semantic geometry and limited associations with real-world media engagement. Effects were modest but consistent across experiments. These findings suggest that internal representational modes function as stable weighting biases, subtly modulating semantic geometry and sensory-processing profiles. Such propensities therefore correspond to structured variations in cognition, rather than merely phenomenological differences in inner experience. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).