[Gender distinctions in recognition of partly masked geometric figures]

Visual recognition of entire and partly masked geometric figure by men and women was studied. Probabilities of correct recognition of the entire (control) and partly masked figures (without some parts of their lines or corners) under conditions of their near-threshold tachistoscopic presentation were compared. A gradual decrease in recognition probability with increasing masking was observed. It was more pronounced for figures without some corners than for figures without part of their sides. Reliable gender differences were found: men better than women recognized figures, especially, with masked corners. Possible reasons for gender differences in recognition of geometrical figures are discussed, in particular, the role of striate sensitivity to a single light bar and a line crossing in the observed phenomena.