Analysis of perception of complex visual stimulus-patterns

This paper deals with the analysis of visual perceptions of complex patterns consisting of two simple patterns placed one above the other in one frame (united pattern) or in two separate frames each (divided pattern). The upper pattern consisted of a configuration of lines, the lower one of a configuration of dots. There were one positive pattern which a subject had to recognize in tachistoscopic exposure and a number of negative patterns which a subject had to reject. When the dot component of the positive pattern consisted of two dots situated near its left edge, the subjects committed a great number of errors in recognition of the positive pattern and also the negative patterns with dot-negative components. Errors in recognition of negative patterns with line-negative components were much less numerous. Generally less errors were committed with divided patterns than with united patterns. When in the dot component of the positive pattern the distance between the dots was increased and they were placed symmetrically, the number of errors in recognition of this pattern decreased considerably; errors made in rejecting the negative patterns were, however, the same as in the previous test. Contrary to the previous test, errors with united patterns were less numerous than with divided patterns. The data obtained are discussed with reference to the concept of lateral inhibition between components of the complex unknown patterns. It is postulated that this inhibition can be partially overcome if the components of the complex pattern are easy integrated as is the case with symmetric united patterns.