Mental Imagery theory

Mental Imagery theory suggests that when we visualize or imagine something, our brain recreates sensory experiences similar to actually perceiving them. This means that thinking about a scene, object, or action activates many of the same neural pathways involved in seeing, hearing, or feeling those things in real life. For example, picturing a lemon can trigger salivation or taste expectations. This process helps with memory, problem-solving, and learning by creating mental representations that support understanding and recall, bridging the gap between abstract thought and sensory experience.