What is Gestalt Theory?
Gestalt theory holds “there are wholes which, instead of being the sum of parts existing independently, give their parts specific functions or properties that can only be defined in relation to the whole in question” (Wolfgang Köhler).
That is the part-processes are themselves determined by the intrinsic nature of the whole. It is the hope of Gestalt theory to determine the nature of such wholes.
The focus of Gestalt Theory is the idea of “grouping” – characteristics of stimuli cause us to structure or interpret a visual field or problem in a certain way (Max Wertheimer, 1922).
The Primary Factors of Grouping
- Proximity. Elements tend to be grouped together according to their nearness.
- Similarity. Items similar in some respect tend to be grouped together.
- Closure. Items are grouped together if they tend to complete some entity.
- Simplicity. Items will be organized into simple figures according to symmetry, regularity, and smoothness.
These factors are called the laws of organization and are explained in the context of perception and problem-solving.
Two directions are involved: getting a whole consistent picture, and seeing what the structure of the whole requires for the parts.