Gestalt in AP Psychology

Definition

Gestalt refers to the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. It emphasizes that our perception of objects is not determined solely by their individual characteristics, but also by how they are organized and structured as a whole.

Related terms

Figure-ground relationship: This concept refers to our ability to perceive an object as distinct from its surroundings or background.

Closure:

Closure is the tendency to mentally fill in missing parts of an incomplete image so that it forms a complete and recognizable pattern.

Proximity:

Proximity refers to the idea that objects that are close together tend to be perceived as belonging together.