Final answer:
Using mental images to enhance performance or mental attitude is known as visualization, a cognitive technique that relies on creating mental pictures to enhance mental and physical skills. It often incorporates metacognition, experiences, and different cognitive processes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Using mental images to improve performance or enhance a mental attitude is called visualization. This cognitive technique involves creating mental pictures to simulate or re-create visual perception. Visualization is often utilized by athletes to enhance their physical skills and by individuals practicing metacognition and self-reflection to improve mental attitudes. By envisioning a process or an activity, one can prepare mentally, anticipate potential outcomes and devise strategies to achieve desired goals. This method engages multiple senses and relies on past experiences and cognitive learning to be effective. Hypnosis, meditation, and other states of deep focus can also influence cognitive processes and enhance the ability to visualize effectively.