Many researchers believe that mental images, while not literally pictures in the mind, function in ways analogous to actual visual images. How does the research by Shepard and Metzler on mental rotation apply to this idea?
A)Their findings indicate that mental images are not like pictures.
B)Their findings indicate that mental images might operate like pictures.
C)Their findings are inconclusive and neither support nor refute the idea.
D)Their research cannot address this idea.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Shepard and Metzler's research on mental rotation demonstrated that the time it takes for people to mentally rotate objects is linearly related to the degree of rotation required, suggesting that mental images are manipulated in a way similar to physical objects, thus supporting the idea that mental images might operate like pictures.

Many Researchers Believe That Mental Images, While Not Literally Pictures