ECVP 2021 - Shape variation in proximity grouping: An individual approach

Abstract

In 1995, Kubovy and Wagemans performed a ground-breaking study within perceptual organization, revealing that the probability of grouping elements can be quantified as a decreasing exponential function of the distance between those elements, thereby quantifying the law of proximity. This study has been the starting point for many more studies, for instance, on competing grouping principles and additivity (Kubovy & Van den Bergh, 2008). However, the scope of this type of research has been limited to dot lattices with no to little element variation. In this study, we added shape variation on top of proximity cues, to investigate whether alignment of any shape axis (e.g., sides of squares, base or axis of equilateral triangles) with the globally perceivable orientations in the lattices affects grouping by proximity. To create shape variation, in addition to dots, we employed the recently developed Order and Complexity Toolbox for Aesthetics (OCTA; Van Geert, Bossens & Wagemans, in preparation). Squares were tilted to create a condition in which the sides aligned with the two main perceivable orientations (horizontal and vertical) and a neutral condition with no alignment with either of the orientations. Triangles were tilted to obtain a neutral condition, and two conditions in which one side aligned with either the horizontal or the vertical orientation. We expect to observe a proximity effect in the neutral conditions. However, for the aligned conditions, we expect to see individual differences in the relative impact of shape variation and proximity on perceptual grouping.

Date
Aug 26, 2021 11:00
Location
online