|
Ridout, J.B. & Carrasco, M. (1993). Olfactory perception and olfactory
imagery: a multidimensional analysis. Jrl of Exptl Psych, 19(2):
287-301.
Abstract
Whether a system of imagery for olfaction exists is currently an unsettled
issue. Moreover, the dimensions underlying odor perception have eluded
researchers for many years. Two experiments bearing on these issues are
presented. In one experiment, a group of 32 undergraduates rated the similarity
of pairs of 16 commonplace odorants (e.g., chocolate and leather) they
perceived using scratch and sniff stimuli; in another, a different group
of 44 undergraduates was asked to imagine and then rate the similarity
of the same pairs of odors. Multidimensional scaling of the data suggests
that three-dimensional solutions with similar stimulus dimensions, such
as fruitiness, strength, and familiarity, underlied the ratings of both
perceived and imagined odors. By finding that similar dimensions define
the psychological space of both the imagery and the perception tasks,
this study suggests that imagery does indeed exist for olfaction.
|