Which term describes a mental representation of visual or sensory experiences?

Imagery is the term that describes a mental representation of visual or sensory experiences. It refers to the ability to recreate or visualize past experiences in the mind without the immediate presence of the corresponding external stimuli. This can include sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and tactile sensations. Imagery allows individuals to mentally simulate scenarios, recall memories, or even create new concepts based on their sensory experiences.

This contrasts with perception, which involves the immediate interpretation of sensory information gathered from the environment, and cognition, which encompasses the broader mental processes that include thinking, understanding, learning, and remembering. Thought processes refer specifically to the ways in which cognitive functions are applied to solve problems or make decisions, rather than the sensory representations themselves. Thus, imagery is distinct in its focus on the mental visualization of sensory experiences.