Visual Recall of Dress Design Determined by Perceptual Style

Abstract

It was the major objective of this study to devise a measuring instrument specifically for the perception of line and design in clothing. In order to assess the feasibility of such instrument, its power of differentiation was determined on the basis of the perceptual style of field dependence. The theoretical basis for the investigation was provided by the general concepts and principles of Gestalt theory of perception. In order to determine perceptual style, the perceptual differentiation of figure from ground was measured by use of the Jackson Short Form of the Witkin Embedded Figures Test. The Clothing Perception Test was designed to investigate three categories of visual perception, selected as being representative of the major aspects of perception of clothing design. Among various interactions demonstrated, the most consistent finding related to class standing and perceptual style. Junior and senior students were found to be considerably less field dependent than freshman and sophomore students. On the basis of clothing perception scores, class standing again proved highly significant. Junior and senior students were found to possess greater ability for recall of dress design. Significant correlations among personality dimensions and measures of clothing perception indicate that relatively field independent persons tend to possess a greater ability for recall of line in clothing design.