Gestalt psychology
Gestalt psychology (also: Gestalt theory ofBerlin School) ispsychological theory which providesframework forwide varietypsychological phenomena, processes,applications. Human beingsviewed as open systemsactive interactiontheir environment. Itespecially suited forunderstandingorderstructurepsychological events.Early 20th century theorists, such as Kurt Koffka, Max Wertheimer,Wolfgang Köhler saw objects as perceived within an environment accordingalltheir elements taken together asglobal construct. This 'gestalt', or 'whole form' approach soughtisolate principlesperception; seemingly innate mental 'laws', which determinedwaywhich objects were perceived. These laws took several forms, such asgroupingsimilar, or proximate objects together, within this global process. Althoughhas been criticisedbeing merely descriptive,has formedbasismuch further research intoperceptionpatternsobjects (ref: Carlson, Buskist & Martin, 2000) andresearch into behavior, thinking, problem solvingpsychopathology.
Examples ofGestalt experience includeperceptionan incomplete circle aswhole orpatterndots asshape-mind completesmissing pieces. Studies also indicate that simple elements/ compositions wheremeaningdirectly perceived do not offer as muchchallenge tomind as complex oneshencelatterpreferred overformer.
Gestalt psychology should not be confused withGestalt therapyFritz Perls whichonly peripherally linkedGestalt psychology. A strictly Gestalt psychology based therapeutic methodGestalt Theoretical Psychotherapy, developed byGerman Gestalt psychologistpsychotherapist Hans-Juergen Walter.
See also: Gestalt theory, Fritz Perls, Gestalt therapy, structural information theory, Gestalt effect, James Tenney
