3.7.1 The Dual‑Coding Hypothesis

According to the dual‑coding hypothesis, information is encoded by means of both an imagery system and a verbal system, each working independently. We use the imagery system for processing real, concrete items and pictures, such as blue hippos and a painting of the Mona Lisa. We use the verbal system for more abstract items, such as spoken or written words and concepts such as liberty. So the imagery system is specialized for processing information about nonverbal objects and events, whereas the verbal system is specialized for processing linguistic information and generating speech.