What does "imageless thought" refer to in Kulpe's findings?

Imageless thought, as identified by Kulpe, pertains specifically to thought processes that cannot be introspected during problem solving. This concept arose from Kulpe's experimental research, where participants reported their mental experiences while engaged in problem-solving tasks. He discovered that individuals could engage in cognitive processes that do not involve visual images or concrete representations but rather abstract thinking that cannot easily be articulated or introspected.

This understanding was significant because it challenged the then-dominant view that all thought must be accompanied by imagery. Kulpe's findings provided a new perspective on how thoughts can exist in a non-imagistic form, highlighting the complexity of cognitive functioning beyond mere visual or sensory representations. Thus, the correct interpretation of imageless thought encapsulates the idea that some cognitive activities operate at a level that eludes direct conscious awareness or introspection, aligning with Kulpe’s exploration of the deeper cognitive processes during problem-solving.