The factor structure of visual imagery and spatial abilities

The main aim of the present study was to examine whether a primary imagery (IM) factor can be identified as a separate dimension of individual differences in the spatial ability domain. A sample of 213 participants was tested. The test battery comprised 26 markers of cognitive ability, 5 self-report visual imagery questionnaires, 7 experimental imagery tasks (accuracy and latency measures), and 2 creative imagery tasks. Confirmatory factor analysis of this data set supported a five-factor oblique model with latent dimensions corresponding to visualisation, speeded rotation, speed of closure, and visual memory spatial primaries, and a combined perceptual speed-closure flexibility factor. Principal axis factor analysis of the visual imagery data set indicated the existence of three first-order IM factors, labelled IM quality (defined by accuracy measures), IM self-report (defined by the self-report measures), and IM speed (defined by latency measures). A second-order confirmatory factor analysis of these constructs suggested that the visual imagery dimensions can be located within the spatial ability domain. The implications of these findings are discussed.