A HISTORICAL REVIEW OF VISUALIZATION IN HUMAN COGNITION

This paper presents a historical overview of visualization as a cognit ive strategy in human creativity, discovery, and problem-solving. Visu alization strategies, such as mental imagery, pervade historical accou nts of scientific discovery and invention. A selected number of histor ical examples are presented and discussed on topics such as physics, a viation, and the science of chaos. Everyday examples are also discusse d to show the value of visualization in cognition for all people. Seve ral counter examples are also discussed showing that visualization can also lead to erroneous conclusions. Many educational implications are discussed, such as reconsidering the dominant role and value schools place on verbal, abstract thinking. These issues are also considered i n light of emerging computer-based technologies, such as virtual reali ty.