Visual Recall Ability and Eye Movements

ABSTRACT Pursuit eye movements induced by Deckert's technique, using a moving object of specific excursion and beat frequency, were compared between active watching of the moving object and recalling the motion with eyes closed. Ability for visual imagery and incidence of its use were evaluated by questionnaires and discussion following the test procedure. Eye movements during eyes‐closed recall occurred significantly more frequently in visualizers than non‐visualizers. Exceptions to the relationship suggest that the occurrence of eye movements during recall do not necessarily indicate presence of visual imagery, but that oculomotor activity may be recalled independently. Eye movements during eyes‐closed recall generally under‐ or over‐estimate both excursion and timing of the original motion.