Abstract: Visual imagery cognitive style was theoretically hypothesised as a unitary dimension in the traditional Verbal-Imagery cognitive style model, and the validity of various measurements designed based on that model were dissatisfied, which resulted in widely query to the Verbal –Imagery cognitive style. With the development of studies on cognitive processing of visual information, especially the understanding on functional and anatomical dissociation of visual object and spatial imagery, a new Object-Spatial Imagery and Verbal (OSIV) cognitive style model was put forward, based on which, the corresponding measurement (Object-Spatial Imagery and Verbal Questionnaire, OSIVQ) was developed and proved to be effectively supportive for the OSIV model with its good reliability and validity. The OSIV cognitive model extends the previous understanding of human cognitive styles and visual cognition. However, the two different imagery subsystems coexist in human imagery system, further investigation are needed addressing the reason for dissociation and interaction between object and spatial imagery, and also their relationships with visual attention resource.

Key words: visual object imagery, visual spatial imagery, OSIV cognitive style