Gestalt Psychology Flashcards

Study Notes

Gestalt Psychology Overview

Gestalt psychology opposed the molecular approach of behaviorists and Wundtian elements of thought, favoring a holistic, molar perspective.
This psychological perspective emphasizes that the mind perceives whole structures rather than just their individual components.

Founding of Gestalt Psychology

Max Wertheimer is credited with the formal founding of Gestalt psychology upon discovering the phi phenomenon, which demonstrates apparent movement when two lights flash in sequence 60 milliseconds apart.

Wertheimer's Observations and Implications

Perceived movement occurs without actual motion, indicating significant insights for psychology:
- Perception does not directly correspond to sensory stimulation.
- Individual perceptions are not predictable solely from the sensations that create them.
- The overall percept is greater than the sum of its parts.

Alternative Explanations of Apparent Motion

Wundt attributed perceived motion to learned eye movements, suggesting that muscle movements associated with past experiences create the sensation of motion.

Wertheimer's Experiments

Wertheimer conducted experiments to demonstrate that the phi phenomenon arises from perceptual processes rather than learned eye movements, showcasing how perception emerges from the interaction of parts.

Key Figures in Gestalt Psychology

Founders include Max Wertheimer, Kurt Koffka, and Wolfgang Kohler, all of whom were European emigrants to the US, where they established faculty positions in northeastern colleges.

Wertheimer's Unique Contribution

Wertheimer introduced the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, contrasting with earlier empiricist approaches by advocating for a rationalist, top-down perspective.

Kurt Koffka's Influence

Koffka authored a significant article, "Perception: An Introduction to Gestalt Theory," which effectively communicated Gestalt psychology's principles in the US; he was noted for being the most prolific writer among the founders.

Wolfgang Kohler's Background

Kohler, influenced by physicist Max Planck, appreciated a holistic approach to psychology, reflecting how physicists address problems comprehensively rather than as disjointed facts.

Insight Learning

Through observations of chimpanzees, Kohler identified insight learning:
- Chimpanzees utilized strategies like stacking boxes and joining sticks, indicating solutions achieved through sudden insight rather than trial and error.
Insight learning involves a holistic reorganization of perception rather than a gradual accumulation of knowledge.

Law of Pregnanz

The Law of Pregnanz asserts that the whole (ultimate meaning) precedes the parts (sensory data), giving the parts their identity.
This principle emphasizes that the brain constructs perception by integrating sensory data into a coherent force field.

Description

Explore the key concepts of Gestalt Psychology through these flashcards. Learn about the foundational principles and the contributions of key figures like Max Wertheimer. This resource is perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of holistic approaches in psychology.