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An exploration of mental imagery as experienced by elementary students
Abstract
The dual-coding theory (Paivio, 1981) and the theory of multiple intelligences (Gardner, 1993) were used to support a description of mental imagery. Paivio's theory suggested that there are two systems of cognition, the verbal and visual systems. Data was collected from third and sixth grade students and divided into two categories: (a) differences in the ability to create mental images, and (b) the way in which mental imagery affects learning. Classroom teachers gave a general assessment of their students' academic performance. When the researcher documented differences in the ability to create mental images and the way these differences affect learning, combined with teacher's judgments about the student's ability, it was learned that the ability to image and school success are related. The theory that emerged from this study further defined the imagery system. The principles of this theory are: (1) There are differences in the ability to create mental images. (2) Imagery systems include conscious mental images and other sensual manifestations (auditory, haptic and affective). (3) Imagery systems involve sensory skills that can be improved with practice. (4) A person's capacity for mental imagery, and the ability to acknowledge the use of the imagery system affects a person's learning in the following ways: (a) their ability to acknowledge the use of mental imagery as an aid to learning, (b) their ability to use imagery in different learning situations, (c) their ability to turn images on and off when it is appropriate, and (d) their experience of too little and/or too much imagery can be a problem in learning. (5) In the absence of conscious mental images the individual can develop the other three parts of the imagery system. This theory does not refute preceding theories; instead, it broadens existing theories and offers evidence for further research.
Subject Area
Educational psychology|Literacy|Reading instruction
Recommended Citation
Kippley, Deborah Bowers, "An exploration of mental imagery as experienced by elementary students" (1994). ETD collection for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. AAI9519539.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissertations/AAI9519539