A Technique for Evaluating the Stability of Figures in a Figure-Ground Pattern

Abstract

A technique is described which uses a reversible word-figure for studying effects of experiential variables on the stability of figures. In a reversible word-figure black on white inter-letter spaces represent “nonsense” forms which are usually perceived first. In this study the latency of reversal to the white on black word-configuration is taken as an index of the stability of the perceptual construction involving the black nonsense forms. The results show that pre-exposure of the nonsense forms increases their stability. Either labelling the forms or attempting to memorize them increases stability somewhat more than merely rating them for “aesthetic appeal.”