30 normal adult Ss viewed each of 30 color slides of real objects and places for as long as they wished. The stimuli had previously been rated on a 7-point scale of complexity and divided into 3 groups of 10 each representing 3 levels of complexity: high, low, and middle. The positive relationship between complexity and looking time previously found for other stimuli holds for realistic photographs as well.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
AttneaveF.Physical determinants of the judged complexity of shapes. J. exp. Psychol., 1957, 53, 221–227.
2.
BerlyneD. E.Conflict and information-theory variables as determinants of human perceptual curiosity. J. exp. Psychol., 1957, 53, 399–404.
3.
BerlyneD. E.The influence of the albedo and complexity of stimuli on visual fixation in the human infant. Brit. J. Psychol., 1958, 49, 351–358. (a)
4.
BerlyneD. E.The influence of complexity and novelty in visual figures or orienting responses. J. exp. Psychol., 1958, 55, 289–296. (b)
5.
BerlyneD. E.Supplementary report: Complexity and orienting responses with longer exposures. J. exp. Psychol., 1958, 56, 183. (c)
6.
BerlyneD. E.Complexity and incongruity variables as determinants of exploratory choice and evaluative ratings. Canad. J. Psychol., 1963, 17, 274–290.
7.
BerlyneD. E.LawrenceG. H.III, Effects of complexity and incongruity variables on GSR, investigatory behavior and verbally expressed preference. J. gen. Psychol., 1964, 71, 21–45.
8.
CantorG. N.CantorJ. H.DitrichsR.Observing behavior in preschool children as a function of stimulus complexity. Child Develpm., 1963, 34, 683–689.
9.
MintonH. L.A replication of perceptual curiosity as a function of stimulus complexity. J. exp. Psychol., 1963, 66, 522–524.
