---
title: "Proximity — AP Psychology Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "Proximity is the principle that nearness matters, from grouping nearby figures in perception to liking people who are physically close. A double-duty AP Psych term."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/proximity"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Psychology"
---

# Proximity — AP Psychology Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

In psychology, proximity refers to the principle that we group nearby figures together. It's part of Gestalt psychology about how we perceive stimuli in our environment.

## Related Study Guides

- [3.1 Principles of Sensation](/ap-psych-revised/unit-3/principles-sensation/study-guide/9G8CkjXjhzo9PSEgGtqZ)
- [9.7 Interpersonal Attraction](/ap-psych-revised/unit-9/interpersonal-attraction/study-guide/YmBOQI6KfrS04IG2UcNz)

## Review

### Related Terms

- [Similarity](/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/similarity): In psychology, this refers to how we tend to group similar-looking items together in our perceptions.
- Grouping: The perceptual tendency to organize stimuli into coherent groups.
- Law of Common Fate: A principle in visual perception where elements moving in the same direction are perceived as a unit or group.