visual imagery

mental imagery that involves the sense of having “pictures” in the mind. Such images may be memories of earlier visual experiences or syntheses produced by the imagination (e.g., visualizing a pink kangaroo). Visual imagery can be used for such purposes as dealing with traumatic events, establishing desensitization hierarchies, or improving physical performance. See visualization.

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Psychology term of the day

December 18th 2024

observer memory

an autobiographical memory that one remembers from the perspective of an outside observer. When retrieving an observer memory, the person sees himself or herself as an actor in the event. Also called third-person perspective memory. Compare field memory.