Beeldvorming

Beeldvorming is a Dutch term that literally means image formation or image shaping. It is used in several contexts to denote the creation or shaping of a visual representation.

In cognitive and social terms, beeldvorming refers to how individuals form mental images of objects, events, or people. It encompasses imagination, memory, and visualization, and it can affect beliefs, expectations, and decisions. The process is influenced by attention, prior knowledge, culture, and biases.

In media studies and public communication, beeldvorming describes how images, messages, and narratives construct a public image of a person, organization, or country. Framing, sourcing, evidence, and visual symbolism contribute to reputation and opinion. It is a central concept in political communication, branding, and crisis management.

In medicine and technology, beeldvorming stands for imaging or visualization of internal structures. Medical beeldvorming includes modalities such as X-ray, ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and nuclear imaging. The resulting images support diagnosis, treatment planning, and research. In data visualization and computer graphics, beeldvorming can also refer to generating and presenting graphical representations of data.

Beeldvorming thus covers both perceptual processes and practical techniques for generating pictures, spanning psychology, communications, medicine, and technology.