Scientific Background
Neurology, cognition, and genetics of aphantasia – the current state of research
Scientific research on aphantasia began only in 2015 with Adam Zeman's groundbreaking study. Since then, research has yielded important insights into neurological foundations, cognitive differences, and possible genetic factors.
Neurology: What Happens in the Brain?
Researchers describe mental imagery as 'Vision in Reverse' – the brain activates the visual cortex top-down instead of bottom-up like actual seeing. In aphantasia, this top-down signal chain appears to be interrupted.
- Reduced activity in primary visual cortex (V1) during imagery tasks
- Normal activity during actual seeing – the 'hardware' works
- Differences in connectivity between prefrontal cortex and visual system
Cognition & Memory
People with aphantasia show characteristic cognitive profiles. Autobiographical memory is often less episodic-detailed, instead relying more on semantic (factual) knowledge. This is not a deficit – just a different strategy.
- Autobiographical memory: fewer sensory details, more facts
- Semantic memory (factual knowledge): fully intact
- Problem-solving: conceptual instead of visual – equally effective
Genetics: Does Aphantasia Run in Families?
Initial studies suggest a genetic component. Aphantasia runs in families – first-degree relatives of aphantasics have a 10-fold increased probability of having aphantasia themselves.
- Familial clustering observed in multiple studies
- ~10x increased risk in first-degree relatives
- Specific genes not yet identified
Scientific Testing Methods
Three main methods are used to measure aphantasia: two subjective questionnaires and one objective test.
VVIQ (Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire)
The gold standard since 1973. 16 questions about visual imagery vividness. Scores from 16 (aphantasia) to 80 (hyperphantasia).
Start testPSIQ (Plymouth Sensory Imagery Questionnaire)
Measures imagery across all 7 senses. Ideal for detecting multisensory aphantasia.
Start testBinocular Rivalry
The only objective test. Uses the priming effect: Imagined images 'win' in rivalry. Aphantasics don't show this effect.
Start testOur Test Instruments & Sources Used
The VST-16 and MST-21 on aphantasie.org follow the methodology of established research instruments (VVIQ and PSIQ) but contain original items. The underlying original instruments and key publications:
- Marks, D.F. (1973). British Journal of Psychology, 64(1), 17–24.
- Andrade, J., May, J., Deeprose, C., Baugh, S.-J., & Ganis, G. (2014). British Journal of Psychology, 105(4). doi:10.1111/bjop.12050
- Zeman, A., Dewar, M., & Della Sala, S. (2015). Cortex, 73, 378–380.
- Wright, C. et al. (2024). Frontiers in Psychology. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1454107
- Pearson, J., Rademaker, R.L., & Tong, F. (2011/2018). Neuron / Nature Reviews.
- Monzel, M. et al. (2025). Behavior Research Methods. doi:10.3758/s13428-025-02780-6
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