Page 3 - Sensory, Attentional and Perceptual Processes

given by a group of researchers, called Gestalt psychologists. Prominent among them
are Köhler, Koffka, and Wertheimer.
The Gestalt psychologists also indicate that our cerebral processes are always oriented

towards the perception of a good figure or pragnanz. That is the reason why we perceive
everything in an organised form. The most primitive organisation takes place in the form
of figure-ground segregation.
We distinguish figure from the ground on the basis of the following characteristics:
a) Figure has a definite form, while the background is relatively formless.
b) Figure is more organised as compared to its background.
c) Figure has a clear contour (outline), while the background is contourless.
d) Figure stands out from the background, while the background stays behind

the figure.
e) Figure appears more clear, limited, and relatively nearer, while the
background appears relatively unclear, unlimited, and away from us.

The Principle of Proximity
Objects that are close together in space or time are perceived as belonging together or as
a group.

The Principle of Similarity
Objects that are similar to one another and have similar characteristics are perceived as a
group.