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Indeterminacy of the isomorphism heuristic
1Department of Psychonomy, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Psychological Research
|January 1, 1990
Summary
The Gestalt program
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Science
- Philosophy of Science
Background:
- The Gestalt program historically relied on the psychophysical isomorphism heuristic.
- Modern scientific thought is less inclined towards a unified science model.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the continued relevance of the psychophysical isomorphism heuristic within the Gestalt program.
- To explore reasons for potentially abandoning this heuristic.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of the Gestalt program's principles.
- Examination of the requirements for testing psychophysical isomorphism.
Main Results:
- The Gestalt program's focus on holistic determination of components prevents independent testing of the isomorphism heuristic.
- Simultaneous determination of visual field and electrocortical events is required for isomorphism, which conflicts with Gestalt principles.
Conclusions:
- The Gestalt program may no longer need the psychophysical isomorphism heuristic.
- The heuristic's indeterminacy and incompatibility with Gestalt principles support its abandonment.