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Preference for illusory contours: Beyond object symmetry, familiarity, and nameability
Jonathan C Flavell1, Steven P Tipper1, Harriet Over1
1Department of Psychology.
Emotion (Washington, D.C.)
|November 28, 2017
Summary
People prefer shapes formed by illusory contours, like Kanizsa figures. This study confirms that illusory contour perception itself drives preference, independent of other visual factors.
Area of Science:
- Visual perception
- Aesthetics
- Cognitive psychology
Background:
- Illusory contours (Kanizsa figures) are known to elicit preference.
- Previous research could not isolate illusory contour perception from confounding factors like symmetry or familiarity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the independent influence of illusory contours on aesthetic preference.
- To control for confounding variables such as symmetry, familiarity, prototypicality, and nameability.
Main Methods:
- Participants rated the aesthetic appeal of symmetric and asymmetric Kanizsa figures.
- Unfamiliar Kanizsa figures were used to minimize prior knowledge effects.
Main Results:
- Illusory contours significantly influenced aesthetic preference.
- Preference for Kanizsa figures was demonstrated even when controlling for symmetry and familiarity.
Conclusions:
- Illusory contour perception is a distinct factor driving aesthetic preference.
- Visual system's ability to complete figures influences liking, separate from other shape properties.
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