Visual imaginative thinking: the key to a visual understanding of the world

Visual and imaginative thinking is one of the most fundamental and intriguing abilities of the human brain. It allows us to visualize, manipulate and create images in our minds, which is essential for understanding the world around us, learning, creativity and problem solving.

What is visual imaginative thinking?

Visual and imaginative thinking is the process of forming and using mental pictures or images. It involves the ability to visualize objects, scenes, sequences of events, processes, and abstract concepts without directly perceiving them through the senses.

Features of visual and figurative thinking

1. Visualization: the ability to picture physical objects or phenomena in the mind.
2. Spatial perception: understanding and manipulating spatial relationships between objects.
3. Pattern making: the ability to create mental images that may be new or a combination of familiar elements.
4. Problem solving: using images to model and solve complex problems.

Examples of applications

• Science and engineering: modeling of complex systems and processes, data visualization.
• Art and design: creating artwork, graphic design, architecture.
• Learning and memory: visualizing learning material for better learning and remembering.
• Problem solving: working through different scenarios and finding creative solutions.

Development of visual and figurative thinking

1. Visualization exercises: regular practice in creating mental images.
2. Games and tasks: puzzles, brainteasers, and video games that require spatial reasoning.
3. Art and creative activities: drawing, modeling, working with maps and plans.
4. Meditation and mental techniques: relaxation and concentration techniques to improve visualization.

Formation of visual and figurative thinking

Visual imagery formation is the process of developing the ability to create, use and understand visual images in the mind. It is a key skill for perceiving and interpreting information that can be developed and improved throughout life. Here are some techniques and strategies for building this type of thinking:

1. Visual exercises

• Drawing and painting: these activities help develop imagination and the ability to communicate visual ideas.
• Puzzles and jigsaw puzzles: working with puzzles improves spatial perception and the ability to visualize complex structures.

2. Games and game techniques

• Educational video games: many video games require spatial thinking and strategic planning, which stimulates visual imaginative thinking.
• Role-playing games: games where participants create visual representations of the world, characters and events.

3. Reading and visualization

• Reading literature with scene visualization: try to visualize descriptions, scenes, and characters while reading.
• Use of picture books: particularly useful for children as it promotes visual learning.

4. Meditative and relaxation techniques

• Visualization meditation: the practice of creating mental images during meditation can improve the ability to visualize.
• Relaxation exercises: relaxing the mind and body often helps to improve the quality of visualization.

5. Training programs and courses

• Courses in graphic design and architecture: these areas of study rely heavily on visual imaginative thinking and can develop it significantly.
• Specialized programs: there are educational programs aimed at developing visual perception and creative skills.

6. Practical observation and analysis

• Visual Art Analysis: the study of paintings, sculptures, and other works of art helps develop a deep understanding of visual language.
• Traveling and exploring new places: this broadens visual experience and stimulates visual imaginative thinking.

Developing visual imaginative thinking is a multifaceted process that includes both creative and analytical approaches. By developing this thinking, we improve not only our ability to visualize and perceive, but also our overall understanding of the world around us.

Visual-action and visual-imaginative thinking

Visual-action and visual-figurative thinking are two important aspects of human cognitive activity, each of which plays its own role in the process of cognition and problem solving. They differ in their functions and methods of information processing.

Visual-action thinking

Visual-action thinking is associated with physical interaction with the world around us. This type of thinking is actively used in childhood, when the child learns the world through direct interaction with objects.

Key Features:

• Processing information through physical interaction.
• Using objects to solve problems or to understand concepts.
• Developing motor skills and coordination through hands-on activities.

Examples:

• Playing with constructors.
• Experiments with physical objects.
• Hand drawing or modeling.

Visual and imaginative thinking

Visual imaginative thinking is the ability to visualize, create and use mental pictures or images. This type of thinking allows a person to represent, analyze, and recreate visual information in the mind.

Key Features:

• Visualization of objects, events, and concepts in the absence of direct perception.
• Working with mental images to solve problems or for creativity.
• The ability to envision complex structures or scenarios.

Examples:

• Imagining geometric shapes and manipulating them in the mind.
• Planning an artwork or design before it is created.
• Recreating a map of the area or route in your mind.

Interrelationship and interaction

Although visual-action and visual-imaginative thinking are different, they often interact and complement each other. For example, when learning a new tool, a person may simultaneously use visual-action thinking to physically interact with the object and visual-imaginative thinking to visualize the concept of how it works.

In the process of learning and development, these types of thinking mutually reinforce each other, providing a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the material.

Techniques of visual imaginative thinking

Visual imagery techniques aim to develop the ability to visualize, create and understand mental images. These techniques can be useful in a variety of fields, from education to professional life. Here are some effective techniques:

1. Mental visualization

• Visualization exercises: practice creating mental images. For example, try visualizing different objects, scenes, or events in detail.
• Meditative techniques: use visualization meditation to improve your ability to create clear mental images.

2. Drawing and painting techniques

• Graphic exercises: drawing and painting help translate mental images into physical form while improving visualization ability.
• Design and composition: creating compositions on paper or in graphic editors also develops visual imaginative thinking.

3. Games and puzzles

• Puzzles and constructors: these games require visualizing the end result and understanding how the different pieces will fit together.
• Video games: some video games, especially strategy and puzzle games, promote spatial thinking and visualization.

4. Teaching methods

• Use of information graphs and maps: visual representation of information helps to understand complex concepts and relationships between data.
• Creating mental maps: mental maps are a visual way of structuring information to promote better understanding and memorization.

5. Literary creativity

• Reading and visualizing stories: when reading, try to visualize the scenes described in the book.
• Writing: practice writing descriptions and scenes, emphasizing the creation of vivid images.

6. Working with visual materials

• Exploring art: studying works of art and architecture can increase visual literacy and the ability to interpret images.
• Photography: taking pictures requires visualizing a scene or object before taking a picture.

7. Danker's six-hat method

• Applying different thinking styles: this method, developed by edward de bono, helps you look at a problem from different angles, including visual and intuitive thinking.

Developing visual and imaginative thinking is a process that requires practice and patience. Regular application of these techniques will help to improve visualization ability, which is useful for educational purposes, professional activities and personal life.

Visual and imaginative thinking in children

Visual and imaginative thinking in children is a fundamental part of their cognitive development. This type of thinking allows children to visualize objects, events, and concepts, which is a key skill for learning, creative expression, and problem solving. Here are some key aspects of visual imaginative thinking in children and ways to stimulate it:

Features of visual and figurative thinking in children

1. Visualization: children often use imagination to create mental pictures of objects or situations they have never seen or experienced.
2. Playful approach: games and imaginary scenarios are a natural way for children to visualize and explore the world around them.
3. Creative expression: visual imaginative thinking underlies artistic creativity such as drawing, modeling, and building with constructors.
4. Development through toys and games: toys that encourage visualization and creativity, such as constructors, dolls and puzzles, help develop this thinking.

Ways to stimulate visual imaginative thinking

1. Interactive reading: reading books with vivid illustrations and discussing the content can stimulate visual imagination.
2. Creative activities: drawing, clay modeling and other creative activities help children express their visual images.
3. Role-playing games: such games allow children to create and visualize different scenarios and characters.
4. Learning games: games that include elements of construction, planning and problem solving, develop visual and imaginative thinking.
5. Use of multimedia and technology: educational videos and interactive applications can support visual learning and creativity.
6. Nature and science experiments: observations and experiments with natural phenomena contribute to the development of visual and imaginative thinking.

Development at different ages

• Early childhood (up to age 5): this time emphasizes play and creativity, which help form the basis of visual imaginative thinking.
• School age (6 years and older): visual imaginative thinking can be supported through educational projects, science experiments and challenging games.

Disorders of visual and imaginative thinking

Disorders of visual imagery thinking can manifest themselves in a variety of ways and can have a significant impact on a person's ability to learn, perceive, and interact with the world around them. Here are a few key aspects associated with impairments in this area:

1. Visual-spatial disturbances

These impairments affect a person's ability to understand and interpret visual information. Examples include difficulties in determining the position, shape, and size of objects, as well as the spatial relationships between them.

2. Visual perception disorders

This refers to problems with interpreting and understanding visual information. Examples include difficulties in reading, writing, and performing tasks that require accurate visual coordination.

3. Lack of imagination

Some individuals may have difficulty visualizing and representing objects or scenarios that are not present in their direct perception. This can affect creativity and problem solving.

4. Problems with spatial orientation

This includes difficulty navigating through space, such as difficulty finding your way in unfamiliar terrain or understanding maps.

5. Difficulties with integration of visual information

Some people may have trouble integrating visual information from different sources, making it difficult to understand complex visual concepts.

Reasons

Visual and imaginative thinking disorders can be caused by a variety of factors including neurological disorders, brain injury, genetic conditions, or developmental delays.

Diagnosis and treatment

• Diagnosis: diagnosis of visual imagery disorders usually involves evaluation by specialists such as pediatricians, neurologists, or educational psychologists.
• Treatment and support: The treatment plan may include working with therapists, specialized educational programs, and the use of adaptive technology and learning techniques.

It is important to recognize that visual imagery disorders can significantly affect learning and daily life. Timely detection and appropriate intervention methods can help to improve the functioning and quality of life of people with these disorders.

Visual and imaginative thinking plays a key role in many aspects of human endeavor, from creativity to technical and scientific research. Developing this ability can significantly improve learning, problem solving and creative thinking.

Literature used

Psychology of Development. Edited by A.K. Bolotova and O.N. Molchanova. - Moscow: CheRo, 2005

Formation of visual and figurative thinking in students with mental retardation at mathematics lessons at the level of primary education, Ekaterinburg, 2021