A new wave of research is transforming how we understand imagination—an essential human capacity behind innovation, memory, art, and problem-solving. According to a recent article in New Scientist, scientists now have five key tests that allow us to measure and appreciate the full scope of our imaginative powers, revealing why some people experience vibrant mental movies, while others may only summon faint outlines or abstract concepts when picturing memories or future scenarios (New Scientist).
What makes this research significant for Thai readers is its potential applications in education, mental health, and creative industries. Traditionally, imagination has been seen as an abstract quality—a skill nurtured by artists, writers, or monks in silent meditation. Yet, as workplaces and classrooms increasingly value creative thinking, assessing and developing imagination in systematic, evidence-based ways is both timely and essential. In Thailand, where innovative skills are critical for competing in the digital economy and arts-based tourism is a source of national pride, understanding how imagination works can help individuals nurture their talents and educators design programs that honor diverse minds.
One of the most influential tests referenced is the Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire (VVIQ), originally developed by psychologist David Marks in 1973 (Wikipedia entry on VVIQ). Participants are asked to summon up mental images—such as a sunrise, a loved one, or familiar scenes—and rate the clarity of each: perfectly clear as real life, clear but not perfectly vivid, moderately clear, vague and dim, or no image at all. For instance, you might imagine the sun rising over a Thai rice paddy, then rate how distinct and colorful that picture appears in your mind’s eye.
Other tests, such as the Remote Associates Test, explore the associative aspect of imagination by challenging you to find connections between seemingly unrelated words—a skill linked to creativity and problem-solving. Some new experimental paradigms are designed for objectivity, measuring how visual imagination influences actual perception or performance on digital tasks (Nature, 2024; PubMed 39424908). These tests assess both “reproductive imagination,” the ability to recreate sights, sounds, and tactile sensations from memory, and “constructive imagination,” which involves inventing new scenarios or objects from scratch.
Key expert perspectives reinforce the complexity of imagination. According to neuroscientist Adam Zeman, who contributed to the New Scientist article, “No single test can capture every facet of imagination, which encompasses everything from vivid visual images to internal monologues and the emotional ‘feel’ of memories.” Psychologists have found that the range of ability is huge: some people experience “aphantasia”—a near-complete absence of mental imagery—while others, called “hyperphantasics,” inhabit a world of mental images as vibrant as reality (Psychology Today, 2024).
In Thai society, understanding such diversity may have cultural resonance. From the glowing descriptions of nature in classical poetry, to Buddhist practices emphasizing visualization and mental discipline, mental imagery has long been a valued form of inner experience. Conversely, those with weaker imagery skills—often misdiagnosed as lacking imagination—may simply differ in the balance between verbal, emotional, and visual thinking. This insight could inform ways Thai educators and counselors support learners with varying cognitive styles.
Recent research also links the strength of visual imagination to actual perception and behavior. One study known as the “pink elephant test” examined how people’s ability to visualize influences their thoughts, even against their will (such as trying not to imagine a ‘pink elephant’) (Medical Xpress, 2024). These findings have implications for managing anxiety, intrusive thoughts, or trauma—a core issue in Thai mental health counseling, especially given rising awareness of mental well-being post-pandemic.
Critically, global efforts to measure imagination are gathering steam. The Imagination Institute, funded by a $5.6 million grant, is developing an “imagination quotient” that could be as transformative for the 21st century as IQ was for the 20th (TED Ideas). If adopted, such tools might become as commonplace in Thai assessments as standardized achievement or language ability tests, especially as universities and employers increasingly value creative and design thinking skills.
Historically, tests like the VVIQ have revealed stable, meaningful differences among individuals, with high reliability and validity (Wikipedia). Thai psychologists and educators could leverage these resources to better understand student aptitudes, inspire artistic training, or even tailor mindfulness programs that match participants’ inner experience.
Looking ahead, the future of imagination research lies in cross-cultural, age-spanning studies that recognize how environment, language, and education shape cognitive style. As Thailand’s National Curriculum is revised and as “soft power” (such as cinema, art, and heritage) takes center stage in national strategy, such insights can help position Thai society at the vanguard of creative innovation.
For practical action, Thai readers are encouraged to try reflective exercises at home—such as imagining familiar landscapes or scents and rating their vividness—or seek out creativity workshops that blend mindful attention with expressive arts. Teachers can incorporate visual and auditory imagination tasks into lessons, and mental health professionals might consider screening for imagery strength when tailoring interventions. Families can also support imaginative play and storytelling traditions, both of which nurture the next generation’s creative spirit.
Source citations:
- Five tests will help you understand the full scope of your imagination (New Scientist)
- Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire (Wikipedia)
- Can Your Imagination Be Measured? (Psychology Today)
- towards an experimental paradigm to measure imagination (PubMed)
- Visual imagination can influence visual perception (Nature)
- The pink elephant test: What your visual imagination predicts about thoughts (Medical Xpress)
- Can imagination be measured? (TED Ideas)