Review of Foreign Eidetic Image Study

Eidetic image is a rare visual phenomenon, mainly seen in children. The study of eidetic image began in the late 19th century and was interrupted in the 1980s till now, leaving academia many unresolved puzzles. Based on the analysis of existing research literature, the previous studies can be divided into five aspects: the classic experimental paradigm; the definitive standard of eidetic image; the discussion of eidetic image’s external characteristics; the study of eidetic image’s application and the theoretical exploration of eidetic image. Although this phenomenon had been studied for years, it was interrupted because of limits in the research methods and technologies. With the innovation of psychology research methods and technology in recent years, it becomes possible to deepen the study of eidetic image. So it is necessary to rediscover the eidetic image phenomena, and the study can be promoted still further in the following three aspects: physiological mechanism, clinical application and children education.