Chapter 11, Problem 1E

Summary Introduction

To match: Each of the following organizational laws with its meaning.

Answer to Problem 1E

Correct answer:

a. Closure	3. Groupings are made in terms of complete figures.
b. Proximity	1. Elements close together are grouped together.
c. Similarity	4. Elements similar in appearance are grouped together.
d. Simplicity	2. Patterns are perceived in the most basic, direct manner possible.

Explanation of Solution

a. Closure- 3. Groupings are made in terms of complete figures.

The tendency of humans to organize stimuli into some coherent groups is termed as grouping. The rules for grouping were identified by the Gestalt psychologists. The four principles that are valid for visual stimuli are closure, proximity, similarity, and simplicity. The principle of closure involves the grouping of elements in order to form complete or enclosed figures rather than the open ones.

b. Proximity- 1. Elements close together are grouped together.

The perceived elements that are closer together are grouped together in the Gestalt principle of proximity. For example: an individual see a pair of dots rather than a row of single dots.

c. Similarity- 4. Elements similar in appearance are grouped together.

The perceived elements that are alike in their appearance are grouped together in the Gestalt principle of similarity. For example: individual see horizontal rows of squares and circles rather than vertical mixed columns.

d. Simplicity- 2. Patterns are perceived in the most basic, direct manner possible.

The observed patterns that are perceived in the most basic, straightforward manner are called the Gestalt principle of simplicity.