Global Versus Local Preference: A Relative Prominence Approach

摘要

In order to provide a prediction about the perceptual organization of visual serial pattern structural information theory has been considered. In one experiment visual patterns are presented and a forced choice task is given to the subjects in order to find the preferred organization. Against the global minimum code, a new formula, expressing a relative minimum, is proposed. This formula says that the organization will agree with a global segregation only when the prominence of the global structure is stronger than that of the local parts. This strength of the prominence depends on the perceptual salience, i.e. from the preference between a global or local interpretation. If the salience of the interpretation of the whole pattern is stronger than that of an interpretation of a pattern part, the global interpretation is predicted, otherwise a local one. The data supported the relative minimum hypothesis. In the conclusion some considerations about the relative prominence formula and principle of minimum, and global versus local preference in respect to the relationship between perception and cognition are put forth.