INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL ORGANIZATION IN PERCEPTION
Abstract
In opposition to the position of classical gestalt psychology, which puts all organization within the subject, the question is raised whether some organization cannot exist in the stimuli. If this is the case (as argued by Gibson) then the emphasis changes from organization to arrangement, that is, the arranging of phenomenal answers to already existing stimulus-organizations. The arguments of the contending parties (for internal organization and for external organization) are tested and considered. The result is that the latter assumption gains in importance. The fact of apparently spontaneous perception with the showing of random stimuli does not weaken this fact. Pure chance is Utopia. Whenever departures from chance take place, these are enough to put into operation the arrangement mechanism of perception, and in the usual fashion. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0284830
Entities
People
- Harold Schmidt
- Ivo Jr. Kohler
- James J. Gibson
Organizations
- Cornell University