> I have only my own experience to go by, but it takes some effort to call forth images and it definitely interrupts my ability to think through something.
I happen to lean towards visual thinking. I can see and run systems in my head. When I see a mathematical equation I understand, such as f=ma, I feel momentum and see acceleration of shapes in my head. If I can't form that mental picture, I can't do the math. It sucks because even though I can do all of that in my head, I can't remember your name. This is just me. People don't think the same way.
Now, let's considering the situation where source code is the only way to program a computer. This leads to a self-fulfilling prophecy where a majority of the programmers are a certain types of thinker. Sure, people can think using different approaches (as you pointed out: "but it takes some effort to call forth images and it definitely interrupts my ability to think through something"), but it isn't easy for them. It takes extra effort.
> paradigm is separable from notation
I guess I may be conflating them because I see paradigm as driving notation and/or notation can drive paradigms. But perhaps this is a result of how I understand things.
I'm definitely left handed, but I don't think visually very well. I do prefer brainstorming with diagrams, but I need to draw it out.
The brain is a fascinating piece of hardware, especially how it supports language. For example, I would guess OOP is more suited to human thinking because language (and hence metaphor) is supported directly in the brain while mathematics is a more recent invention that we have to "learn."
I guess there is a reason research in visual programming started the whole field of HCI. Good luck with your work!
"It (Visual Thinking) is common in approximately 60%–65% of the general population." - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visual_thinking
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autism_spectrum
An amazing lady: Temple Grandin. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fn_9f5x0f1Q) (http://www.grandin.com/inc/visual.thinking.html)
I happen to lean towards visual thinking. I can see and run systems in my head. When I see a mathematical equation I understand, such as f=ma, I feel momentum and see acceleration of shapes in my head. If I can't form that mental picture, I can't do the math. It sucks because even though I can do all of that in my head, I can't remember your name. This is just me. People don't think the same way.
Now, let's considering the situation where source code is the only way to program a computer. This leads to a self-fulfilling prophecy where a majority of the programmers are a certain types of thinker. Sure, people can think using different approaches (as you pointed out: "but it takes some effort to call forth images and it definitely interrupts my ability to think through something"), but it isn't easy for them. It takes extra effort.
> paradigm is separable from notation
I guess I may be conflating them because I see paradigm as driving notation and/or notation can drive paradigms. But perhaps this is a result of how I understand things.