Mental image reversal and verbal recoding: when ducks become rabbits

Abstract

A recent debate has concerned whether classical bistable configurations (e.g., duck/rabbit) can be reinterpreted using mental imagery. Research in this field indicates that image reversal is possible only when subjects change their specification of orientation. In a series of four experiments, we demonstrate that mental reversal of classical bistable configurations (CBCs) is impeded by verbally recoding the visual pattern at the time of input. When subjects were prevented from verbally recording visual stimuli in short-term memory, they fared systematically better in mentally reversing the CBC, even when they received no instructions to change their reference frame or specification of orientation. On this basis, we suggest a model of image reversal that takes into account the interaction between memory codes and provides a new perspective on verbal recording, verbal overshadowing, and mental discoveries.