Perceiving Objects & Scenes

Question 1

Gestalt Psychologists & Perceptual Organization

Answer 1

• Gestalt psychologists proposed that perception depends on a number of principles of perceptual organization, which determine how elements in a scene become grouped together.
• The starting points of these principles is that they usually occur in the environment.

Question 2

Gestalt Principles of Perceptual Organization

Similarity

Answer 2

• Also known as the principle of similarity or grouping.
• Groups similar objects together.
• This law causes circles of the same color to be grouped together.
• Grouping can also occur because of similarity of shape, size or orientation.
• It can also occur for auditory stimuli.
• For example, notes that have similar pitches and that follow each other closely in time can become perceptually grouped to form a melody.

Question 3

Gestalt Principles of Perceptual Organization

Good Continuation

Answer 3

• Points connected to form straight or smoothly curving lines are perceived as belonging together, and these lines are seen to follow the smoothest path.
• It also states that objects that are partially covered by other objects are seen as continuing behind the covering object.

Question 4

Gestalt Principles of Perceptual Organization

Pragnanz

Answer 4

• Also called the principle of good figure or the principle of simplicity.
• States every stimulus pattern is seen in such a way that the resulting structure is as simple as possible.
• The Olympic symbol is an example of the principle of simplicity at work.
• We see this display as five circles and not as a larger number of more complicated shapes.

Question 5

Gestalt Principles of Perceptual Organization

Proximity (Nearness)

Answer 5

• States that things that are near each other appear to be grouped together.

Question 6

Gestalt Principles of Perceptual Organization

Common Fate

Answer 6

• Discusses that things that are moving in the same direction appear to be grouped together.
• For example, when you see a flock of hundreds of birds all flying together, you tend to see the flock as a unit; if some of the birds start flying in another direction, this creates a new unit.