[hondadriver]

I don't think only 1% or even 1% to 4% of the population has this.

Most people do not know they are supposed to 'see' something when imagining something. Same goes for hearing.

I can't do both and discovered this when I was 45.

Like many others I do dream in full colour with sound and I never forget a face.

When doing a quick round at work asking people about it, because I was amazed, I've learned two things.

1. About 50% of the persons asked, confirmed they objectively only see black when closing their eyes and imagining something.

2. Most do not care at all about this subject and are not interested to explore this further.

[kolinko]

Asking if they see black is a wrong test, because people with imagination also see black, just they can see other things on top.

A better test is:

Ask them to imagine a ball on a table, then ask what color is the ball. So far almost everyone I asked answered with a color, no hesitation.

Aphants will hesitate, and they will need to think of a color - in their minds a ball is just an abstract concept - it doesn't have a color unless you consciously specify it.

So far, from my tests - 1 in 10 people asked is possibly an aphant.

[hondadriver]

Thanks that might work better.

I think especial the other way around.

My wife for sure has a vivid visual experience, and only sees black when asked to see black. So, I don't think people without aphantasia will be identified having it with the question. I also was very specific with all black, not black and an image.

Asking a colour might identify people who do not know they have aphantasia

Because some people I've asked who think they can visualise, say they actually don't see anything, but imagine seeing. So what they see with eyes closed, is 'black'. That's why I've used that question. But they might not know the colour when not told in advance.

[taneliv]

Yes, exactly. Or at least this matches well with my inner experience. To be specific, I wouldn't even be able to think of a color, just the name of a color.

It's all symbolic. If you don't give details, the details very likely will not exist, and if they do, I still don't see them.