Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Distinguish refers to the process of perceiving and differentiating between a figure and its background in visual perception. It involves separating an object or shape from its surroundings.
Perceptual organization is the process by which our brain organizes sensory information into meaningful patterns, allowing us to distinguish figures from backgrounds.
Gestalt principles are rules that guide our perception, including principles like proximity, similarity, closure, and continuity. They help us distinguish figures from their backgrounds based on how elements are grouped together.
Contrast: Contrast refers to the difference in visual properties (such as brightness, color, or texture) between a figure and its background. It plays an essential role in helping us distinguish between them.