Abstract
In perception, humans typically prefer symmetrical over asymmetrical patterns. Yet, little is known about differences in symmetry preferences depending on individuals’ different past histories of actively reflecting upon pictures and patterns. To address this question, we tested the generality of the symmetry preference for different levels of individual art expertise. The preference for symmetrical versus asymmetrical abstract patterns was measured implicitly, by an Implicit Association Test (IAT), and explicitly, by a rating scale asking participants to evaluate pattern beauty. Participants were art history and psychology students. Art expertise was measured using a questionnaire. In the IAT, art expertise did not alter the preference for symmetrical over asymmetrical patterns. In contrast, the explicit rating scale showed that with higher art expertise, the ratings for the beauty of asymmetrical patterns significantly increased, but, again, participants preferred symmetrical over asymmetrical patterns. The results are discussed in light of different theories on the origins of symmetry preference. Evolutionary adaptation might play a role in symmetry preferences for art experts similarly to nonexperts, but experts tend to emphasize the beauty of asymmetrical depictions, eventually considering different criteria, when asked explicitly to indicate their preferences.
Highlights
IntroductionLittle is known about differences in symmetry preferences depending on individuals’ different past histories of actively reflecting upon pictures and patterns
In perception, humans typically prefer symmetrical over asymmetrical patterns
The data underlying the results of the expertise questionnaire, the explicit rating scale, and the Implicit Association Test (IAT) are available at Weichselbaum, Leder, and Ansorge (2017)
Summary
Little is known about differences in symmetry preferences depending on individuals’ different past histories of actively reflecting upon pictures and patterns To address this question, we tested the generality of the symmetry preference for different levels of individual art expertise. Evolutionary adaptation might play a role in symmetry preferences for art experts to nonexperts, but experts tend to emphasize the beauty of asymmetrical depictions, eventually considering different criteria, when asked explicitly to indicate their preferences. In line with theoretical speculations, empirical research has shown that symmetry plays a role for the aesthetic experience of an object or image (Leder, Belke, Oeberst, & Augustin, 2004) It is the best predictor of preferences for abstract patterns (Jacobsen & Hofel, 2002), and even a small deviation in symmetry diminishes the appreciation of a visual pattern (Gartus & Leder, 2013). Another account is the fluency hypothesis by Reber, Schwarz, and Winkielman (2004), stating that symmetry is preferred because it can be processed easier and more fluently, comprising both speed and accuracy (Reber, Wurtz, & Zimmermann, 2004), compared with the processing of asymmetry
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