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. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.