The Relationship Between Mental Representation and Photography: Insights from Scientific Research

Photography has long been recognized as a powerful tool for representation, shaping our mental images of the world around us. However, recent scientific research has shown that the relationship between photography and mental representation is more complex than previously thought. In this article, I will help you explore the relationship between mental representation and photography, drawing on insights from scientific research.

"tree" as an example, 2015

Mental Representation and Perception

Mental representation refers to the mental images and concepts that we use to understand the world around us. These mental representations are shaped by our experiences and perceptions, and are constantly evolving based on new information.

Photography can be seen as a tool for perception, allowing us to capture and represent the world around us in a way that can be shared and interpreted by others. However, research has shown that our mental representations of the world can be influenced by the way that photographs are taken and presented.

For example, studies have shown that the angle and framing of a photograph can influence the viewer's perception of the subject. A photograph taken from a low angle can make the subject appear more powerful and dominant, while a photograph taken from a high angle can make the subject appear more submissive and vulnerable (Moriarty & Scheiner, 2010).

Similarly, the lighting and color of a photograph can also influence the viewer's perception. Warm colors can make a subject appear more friendly and approachable, while cool colors can make a subject appear more distant and unapproachable (Palmer & Schloss, 2010).

Mental Representation and Memory

Photography also plays a role in our memory and mental representation of the past. Photographs can serve as visual cues that help us remember past events, and can shape our mental images of the past.

However, research has shown that our memories can be influenced by the way that photographs are presented. For example, studies have shown that when we view a photograph of an event, our memory of the event can become distorted, with details from the photograph being incorporated into our memory (Nash & Wade, 2009).

Similarly, the way that photographs are presented can also influence our memory and mental representation of the past. For example, a series of photographs presented in a particular order can shape our mental representation of the sequence of events, even if the order of the photographs is not accurate (Mandler & Johnson, 1977).

Takeaway

In conclusion, the relationship between mental representation and photography is complex and multifaceted. While photography can serve as a powerful tool for representation and perception, it can also influence our mental representations of the world and our memories of the past. By drawing on insights from scientific research, we can gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which photography shapes our mental representations of the world around us.

References:

• Mandler, J. M., & Johnson, N. S. (1977). Remembrance of things parsed: Story structure and recall. Cognitive Psychology, 9(1), 111-151.

• Moriarty, S. E., & Scheiner, C. W. (2010). Perception and visual design. In Handbook of visual communication (pp. 73-90). Routledge.

• Nash, R. A., & Wade, K. A. (2009). Photographs cause false memories for the news. Applied Cognitive Psychology, 23(1), 1-11.

• Palmer, S. E., & Schloss, K. B. (2010). An ecological valence theory of human color preference. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 107(19), 8877-8882.