A century of Gestalt psychology in visual perception: I. Perceptual grouping and figure–ground organization.

In 1912, Max Wertheimer published his paper on phi motion, widely recognized as the start of Gestalt psychology. Because of its continued relevance in modern psychology, this centennial anniversary is an excellent opportunity to take stock of what Gestalt psychology has offered and how it has changed since its inception. We first introduce the key findings and ideas in the Berlin school of Gestalt psychology, and then briefly sketch its development, rise, and fall. Next, we discuss its empirical and conceptual problems, and indicate how they are addressed in contemporary research on perceptual grouping and figure-ground organization. In particular, we review the principles of grouping, both classical (e.g.,…

• NS
  National Science Foundation

  Awards: 1059088, 1027259, 1027120, 0745820
• FW
  Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek
• VR
  Vlaamse regering

  Award: METH/08/02
• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Awards: EY021494, EY02966; EY16281
• NS
  Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
• OO
  Office of Naval Research

  Award: N000141010278.