title: 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 experimental 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."
mesh_terms: D004192:Discrimination, Psychological; D005260:Female; D005366:Figural Aftereffect; D005556:Form Perception; D006801:Humans; D008570:Memory, Short-Term; D012107:Research Design; D014705:Verbal Behavior