Form Perception: Dimensions of Pattern Reproduction

Abstract

Results from size and jaggedness judgments of 15 polygons by 17 Ss indicate that judgments were based on two-feature measures of 8-sided polygons (area and the ratio of perimeter to area, p < .01). One group of 12 Ss was required to draw 15 polygons freehand and was given 15 min. to complete the task. A second group of 13 Ss was required to draw the same 15 polygons after seeing each one for 1 sec. Results indicated that Ss were capable of reproducing the relative positions of all forms on both feature measures, regardless of the type of presentation. Feature measures (area and the ratio) of the original polygons were highly correlated with corresponding measures in reproduced polygons (p < .01). Discrimination latency for the 15 polygons was evaluated using 9 Ss and was independent of feature measures and the accuracy of their reproduction (p > .05), while being significantly related to two measures reflecting the feature differences of polygons (p < .05). Conclusions from the experiments reaffirm a psychophysics of form where it is assumed that responses from Ss are based on psychological dimensions of form which in their turn are based on feature (physical) measures of form.