Learning Theories - Cognitive Learning Theories CHAPTER

CHAPTER 5 l LEARNING THEORIES - COGNITIVE LEARNING THEORIES
i) The Law of Good form or Pragnanz
The word ‘Gestalt’ means ‘form’ or ‘shape’. Gestalt psychologists were of the view
that psychological organization will always be as ‘good’ as prevailing conditions allow. For
Gestalt psychologists, form is the primitive unit of perception. When we perceive, we
will always pick out form. Our perceptions are influenced by our past experiences. This
principle is also called Pragnanz Law. (Tan Oon Seng et al., 2003).
ii) The Law of Figure – Ground Discrimination
The Rubin vase shown in Figure 5.5 is an
example of this tendency to pick out form.
We do not simply see black and white shapes,
we also see two faces and a vase. What about
Figure 5.6? Do you see a young lady or an old
lady?
Figure 5.6: Young Lady or Old Lady?
(From Spooncer, 1992 p.35)
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Figure 5.5: Two faces or a vase? (From Spooncer, 1992
p.35)
The problem here is that we see the two forms
of equal importance. If the source of this message
wants us to perceive a vase, then the vase is
the intended figure and the black background is
the ground. The problem here is a confusion of
figure and ground.
i.
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