Multisensory images evoked by olfactory stimuli: Crossmodal correspondences in human information processing

The purpose of this study was to investigate multisensory effect of fragrance. Can olfactory stimulation induce visual, auditory, taste and tactile image? Fifty-eight participants smelled ten different essential oils, including Grapefruit, Neroli, Clarysage, Roman Chamomile, Sandalwood, Marjoram, Damaskrose, Lemongrass, Bergamot, and Frankincense; the preferences and the evoked color, sound, taste and tactile images in each fragrance were assessed. In addition, the close relationships between a favorable fragrance and a bright color image such as orange and yellow, a round shape image, an acidic and sweet taste image, a high pitch sound image and a silky, downy tactile image were identified. We suggested that the olfactory system is highly linked with the preference system. We represented that olfactory system was highly linked with preference system. We considered that olfactory stimulation evokes visual, auditory, taste and tactile images that accompany the activation of the preference system. We considered that multisensory or crossmodal correspondence is very general in human information processing. It is very important to consider crossmodal correspondences to develop more attractive arts and various types of products for humans.