INFLUENCE OF ANCHORS UPON OPERATION OF CERTAIN GESTALT ORGANIZING PRINCIPLES

4 experiments studied the principles of proximity, similarity, good continuation, and closure. In proximity a matrix of dots distinctly organized as rows (or columns), when used as an anchor, increased the frequency with which other more ambiguous matrices were perceived as columns (or rows). In similarity a matrix of alternating black and white rows (or columns) increased the frequency with which more ambiguous pattern of gray patches were perceived as columns (or rows). In good continuation a discontinuous linear pattern increased the frequency with which other similar patterns were judged to be continuous. And in closure a circle containing a wide gap increased the frequency with which circles containing smaller gaps were judged to be complete. (23 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1968 American Psychological Association.