On the Role of Contrast Polarity in Perceptual Organization: A Gestalt Approach

In this work we demonstrated, in the same scientific spirit as used by Gestalt psychologists, unique and effective properties imparted by contrast polarity in perceptual grouping and figure-ground organization. These unique properties have been demonstrated by putting contrast polarity against the Gestalt principles of visual organization, by extending the phenomenon of amodal completion to a new kind of contour-junction (the so-called I-junction) and, finally by demonstrating new functional effects under limiting conditions. Our result showed the domination of contrast polarity against all the Gestalt principles, T-junctions, and regularity. These results suggest that the reversed contrast accentuates and instills a phenomenal salience that triggers a process of object segregation and figure-ground segregation.