Scientists are still unclear. Some believe that it is caused by neurons and synapses in the brain that cross over from one sensory system to another. Neurologist Richard Cytowic believes the limbic system, which is primarily in charge of emotional responses, is responsible for synesthesia. More recently however, there has been a debate about whether synesthesia is even a real phenomenon. Proponents believe synesthesia is actually a part of ideasthesia. According to this theory, concurrent sensory elements are not random. The two sensory perceptions are actually due to meanings behind the stimulus. The Bouba vs. Kiki experiment supports this theory by demonstrating that almost all humans seem to ascribe abstract names and meanings to shapes and sounds in consistent ways. In this experiment, participants are shown two shapes: one is a jagged, star-like figure while the other is much rounder and softer. Participants are told to name one shape “Kiki “and the other “Bouba”. 98% of people identify the jagged shape as
Scientists are still unclear. Some believe that it is caused by neurons and synapses in the brain that cross over from one sensory system to another. Neurologist Richard Cytowic believes the limbic system, which is primarily in charge of emotional responses, is responsible for synesthesia. More recently however, there has been a debate about whether synesthesia is even a real phenomenon. Proponents believe synesthesia is actually a part of ideasthesia. According to this theory, concurrent sensory elements are not random. The two sensory perceptions are actually due to meanings behind the stimulus. The Bouba vs. Kiki experiment supports this theory by demonstrating that almost all humans seem to ascribe abstract names and meanings to shapes and sounds in consistent ways. In this experiment, participants are shown two shapes: one is a jagged, star-like figure while the other is much rounder and softer. Participants are told to name one shape “Kiki “and the other “Bouba”. 98% of people identify the jagged shape as