Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-2017

Publication Title

i-Perception

Department

Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences

Abstract

In 1923, Gelb and Granit, using a method of adjustment for a small red light, reported a lower threshold for the target when presented on a ground region than on an adjacent figural region. More recent work in perceptual organization has found precisely the opposite-a processing advantage seems to go to items presented on the figure, not the ground. Although Gelb and Granit continue to be cited for their finding, it has not previously been available as an English translation. Understanding their methodology and results is important for integrating early Gestalt theory with more recent investigations.

DOI

10.1177/2041669516685722

Original Citation

Kinateder M, Nelson R. Threshold Differences on Figure and Ground: Gelb and Granit (1923). Iperception. 2017 Jan 1;8(1):2041669516685722. doi: 10.1177/2041669516685722. PMID: 28286640; PMCID: PMC5330600.

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