Pictures and picturing: mental imagery whilst reading illustrated novels. Issue 1 (2nd January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Aggleton, Jen
• Is Part Of: Cambridge journal of education. Volume 53:Issue 1(2023)
• Page Start: 79
• Page End: 95
• Publication Date: 2023-01-02
• Subjects: Illustrated novels -- mental picturing -- visualising -- participatory research -- reading; Teachers -- Training of -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 370.5
• DOI: 10.1080/0305764X.2022.2081669
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0305-764X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The medium of illustrated novels has been neglected by educational research, and the limited current research on the influence of illustrations on a reader's mental images is largely negative in tone. However, by adopting a participatory multiple case study methodology, this research provides a new understanding of the nature of mental picturing when reading illustrated novels. In exploring the responses of five 9–10-year-old participants to three illustrated novels, this study demonstrates that the interactions between illustrations and mental pictures are more complex than previously theorised. In addition, far from having a negative impact upon mental picturing, the potential of illustrations to interact with mental pictures should be embraced by practitioners as an opportunity for growth, enjoyment, and increased criticality and creativity.