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Gestalt theory of perceptual organization

Introduction:

Gestalt is a very well-known psychologist of his time he introduced some

of the important principles which play an important role in figuring out the
good form, size and consistency of an object or a figure. Gestalt
emphasized that the Whole is more than some of its parts and it is different
from it too. The following are the some of the important principles that are
the bases of determining the usage of psychology in daily life.

Gestalt psychology refers to that branch of psychology in which gestalt

provide an important base for psychologist to determine the

formation and perceptual consistency of the figure.

Principles of gestalt theory of perceptual organization:

2.1 Figure ground:

Figure ground reverse from time to time the figure

seems ground and latterly as well as figure again.
Similarly in the senses of hearing and taste for
example while listening to music, while checking a
client the psychologist has to first look at, he
backgrounds from where he came and in which
environment he belonged to because environment also plays an important
role in spreading the ailment.

2.2 Closeness:
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The figure seems closer to us with a clear shape with a

vivid location where as ground is further away.

For example:

the pic of a triangle shows closeness

the bunch of bananas is also a symbol of closeness.

Applied Psychology Example:

In forensic psychology, the principle of closure is applied in the study of

eyewitness testimony

2.3 Dominant and impressive:

The figure is dominant and impressive

than the ground so it lasts long in our
memory.

Example:

If we go on a picnic on a beautiful hilly area the memory of that picnic and

area will last long in our mind as we are mesmerized with its beauty.

2.4 Good form:

In this law gestalt said that it is not necessary

that if the thing is out of our sight, then it
disappears nothing like that happens but the
thing remains in existence and goes out of our
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eyes reach. This is only possible due to the perceptual consistency. We can
take many examples like:

A door even if out of sight remains as it is but due to perceptual consistency

our brain depicts that it is small and out of reach.

If we are sitting in a plane and we view things that are quite larger then if we
will have an arial review from the top we will consider it small although it is
not.

Example:

Gifts under a tree are of different shapes and sizes, wrapped in only
three different gift wrapper patterns.

2.5 Law of common fate:

It is the tendency to group together the

objects that move together or seem to
move in a similar way.

Daily Life Example:

When you observe a flock of birds flying in the same direction, you
perceive them as a single entity or group, even though each bird is an
individual. This perception helps you understand their behaviour as a
coordinated action.

3. Importance of gestalt theory in psychology:

The importance of this theory was that the psychologist can get a lot of help
the psychologist to figure out that what are the basis of a problem and how
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can the psychologists can solve them. It can help the psychologists to figure
out about different techniques to solve the issues of their clients. Gestalt
psychology is such a branch of psychology in which gestalt has arisen
different aspects and laws. Gestalt psychologists work together in a group for
marketing, increase in companies and productivity.

4. Application of Gestalt theory of perceptual organization:

Gestalt theory of perceptual organization is used for the following

applications:

4.1 Educational learning:

Educational learning is also important as it helps the humans to learn and get
vast knowledge of things.

4.1.1 Proximity: Related items are placed close to each other, helping users
to understand their connection. For example, grouping buttons that perform
similar functions together enhances usability.

4.1.2 Similarity: Visual elements that look alike are perceived as related.
For instance, buttons with the same colour and shape are seen as belonging
to the same category of actions, which helps users quickly identify and use
them.

4.1.3 Continuity: Information is presented in a way that leads the user's eye
smoothly across the page. This principle is used in web design to guide users
through content, ensuring a logical flow from one section to the next.

4.1.4 Closure:

Designers often create logos or icons with incomplete shapes that the user’s
mind completes. This technique makes the design more engaging and
memorable.
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5. Cognitive psychology:

It is that branch of psychology in which the people study about the mind and
its functions. It is such psychology which helps in the better understanding
of others mind and to deal with that person in the same way it is helpful for
councillors.

6. Marketing and Advertising:

Gestalt principles are widely used in marketing and advertising to capture

attention, convey messages effectively, and influence consumer behaviour.
Advertisers use these principles to create compelling visuals that resonate
with the target audience and drive engagement. By doing this psychologist
can work in different agencies so that they can get much experience about
the things.

Applied psychology Example

If we are using Facebook then the thing we have watched once will come
again after a little time. The owners of the company advertising that specific
content which we liked and they use it for making progress. They give that
information to other companies for developing a good market relation, with
them for rapidly increasing their strength and friendship with other
companies so that they may prosper, and run their businesses.

7.Visual interference:

Visual interference is when visual information is disrupted, which can

negatively impact a person's ability to use visual knowledge.

Example:

when a page is full of different ads it is difficult to focus on the content.

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The text which has a colourful background is difficult to read.

8. Visual Arts and Photography

Artists and photographers use Gestalt principles to create visually appealing

compositions that guide the viewer’s eye and evoke certain emotions or
reactions. Understanding how viewers perceive and organize visual elements
allows artists to create works that are both aesthetically pleasing and
conceptually engaging.

By doing this the person can himself get a view of the different paintings and
natural scenery. It allows the person to get a chance to know about the
artistic sense of the painter which reflects his inner thoughts.

Example: A photographer might compose an image using the rule of thirds

(a principle related to continuity), where the subject is placed off- centre,
leading the viewer’s eye naturally across the image. The use of leading lines,
like a road or a river, further enhances this sense of movement and
engagement. He does it because it seems attractive to him and he has a fond
of nature and plants, so he takes a shot of it with his camera so that it would
become memorial for him for the rest of his life.

9. Architecture and Environmental Design

Gestalt principles are also applied in architecture and environmental design

to create spaces that are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and easy to
navigate.

Architecture is very important for us as because of the maps made it helps in

making structure of the house then the environmental design is equally
important after that as designing the environment of the house comes first
after that as it is important to design the places, we live in making it
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decorative is also equally important this comes under the applied

psychology.

Example:

In a public park, pathways might be designed to curve gently, leading

visitors naturally from one area to another (continuity). Benches, fountains,
and other elements are often grouped together in aesthetically pleasing ways
(proximity), encouraging social interaction and relaxation.

10.Problem Solving and Cognitive Psychology

Gestalt psychology has also contributed to our understanding of problem-

solving and cognitive processes. The Gestalt approach to problem-solving
emphasizes seeing the problem as a whole and understanding the
relationships between its parts, rather than focusing on individual elements
in isolation.

Problem solving also helps in the change in behaviour and attitude of the
person. Like solving a puzzle also helps in sharpening the mind of the
individual and increase the ability to solve issues.

Applied psychology example:

Consider a situation where a person gets stuck in a problem, and is given two
possible ways like if he is stuck in a situation where he has to save some
people while he is himself on that train then either he would get himself
killed to save others or he will save his own life. What will be the thing he
will do?

Example: By reorganizing the elements of the puzzle in their minds (insight

learning), they might suddenly perceive the solution. This approach is often
used in creative problem-solving workshops and cognitive-behavioural
interventions.
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Conclusion

The Gestalt theory of perceptual organization offers valuable insights into

how we perceive and interact with the world around us. The principles of
figure-ground relationship, proximity, similarity, continuity, closure, and
common fate are not only fundamental to our understanding of visual
perception but also have practical applications across various fields.
Understanding and applying gestalt theory of perceptual organization is also
necessary as it enhances the persons ability of making designs, projects and
learning influential behaviour from others.

Gestalt also came up with the prospective that if we follow is prescribed

principles then we can enhance learning and treatment of others. It also helps
in the effective communication with the clients face to face and helping him
live a better life

Reference:

1. Gore-Hall, K. R. (2022). A Provider Perception Study Evaluating

Mandates, Impacts, and Competence Outcomes in Continuing
Education Across Practicing Psychologists: A Grounded Theory Study.
Alaska Pacific University.
2. Bruce, V., Georgeson, M. A., & Green, P. R. (2014). Visual
perception: Physiology. psychology and ecology. Psychology Press.
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