Speaking of Psychology When your “mind’s eye” is blank: Understanding aphantasia, with Joel Pearson, PhD
Jan 28, 2026
Joel Pearson, PhD, cognitive neuroscientist who studies imagination and aphantasia. He explains what it means to lack mental imagery and how researchers measure it beyond self-report. He discusses links between imagery and memory, emotion, dreaming, creativity, and brain differences. He also explores the opposite extreme of vivid imagery and whether imagery can change.
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Aphantasia Defined As Missing Mental Pictures
- Aphantasia is the inability to voluntarily visualize and usually feels like a blank or 'black velvet' screen.
- Joel Pearson explains it specifically affects visual mental imagery rather than broader creativity or imagination labels.
Prevalence Underestimated By Self-Reports
- Questionnaires estimate about 4–5% of people have aphantasia, but metacognitive reporting likely underestimates prevalence.
- Pearson suggests the true rate may be nearer 6–8% because some people misinterpret imagery questions.
Measure Imagery With Objective Lab Methods
- Use objective lab measures to assess imagery strength rather than relying solely on self-report.
- Pearson recommends binocular rivalry, pupil response, and skin conductance as complementary objective measures.