Aesthetic complexity and exploratory behavior.
To test the hypothesized relationship between exploratory behavior and stimulus complexity, 15 paintings comprising three levels of complexity were derived from ratings by 30 Ss. A further 30 Ss were requested to view the compositions for as long as they wished, and a third group of 30 Ss were asked to write any questions they might have in response to each painting. Data showed a monotonic relationship between complexity and looking time. Total questions and specific interrogations were most frequent for complex stimuli. Yes-no questions did not vary with rated complexity.
D000328:Adult; D001143:Arousal; D001154:Art; D004954:Esthetics; D005106:Exploratory Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007257:Information Theory; D012659:Semantic Differential; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014796:Visual Perception