Gestalt Theory

(Wertheimer)
Overview:

Along with Kohler and Koffka, Max Wertheimer was one of the principal
proponents of Gestalt theory which emphasized higher-order cognitive processes in the
midst of behaviorism. The focus of Gestalt theory was the idea of "grouping", i.e.,
characteristics of stimuli cause us to structure or interpret a visual field or problem in a
certain way (Wertheimer, 1922). The primary factors that determine grouping were: (1)
proximity - elements tend to be grouped together according to their nearness, (2)
similarity - items similar in some respect tend to be grouped together, (3) closure - items
are grouped together if they tend to complete some entity, and (4) simplicity - items will
be organized into simple figures according to symmetry, regularity, and smoothness.
These factors were called the laws of organization and were explained in the context of
perception and problem-solving.

Wertheimer was especially concerned with problem-solving. Werthiemer (1959)

provides a Gestalt interpretation of problem-solving episodes of famous scientists (e.g.,
Galileo, Einstein) as well as children presented with mathematical problems. The
essence of successful problem-solving behavior according to Wertheimer is being able
to see the overall structure of the problem: "A certain region in the field becomes crucial,
is focused; but it does not become isolated. A new, deeper structural view of the
situation develops, involving changes in functional meaning, the grouping, etc. of the
items. Directed by what is required by the structure of a situation for a crucial region,
one is led to a reasonable prediction, which like the other parts of the structure, calls for
verification, direct or indirect. Two directions are involved: getting a whole consistent
picture, and seeing what the structure of the whole requires for the parts." (p 212).

Scope/Application:

Gestalt theory applies to all aspects of human learning, although it applies most
directly to perception and problem-solving. The work of Gibson was strongly influenced
by Gestalt theory.

Example:

The classic example of Gestalt principles provided by Wertheimer is children

finding the area of parallelograms. As long as the parallelograms are regular figures, a
standard procedure can be applied (making lines perpendicular from the corners of the
base). However, if a parallelogram with a novel shape or orientation is provided, the
standard procedure will not work and children are forced to solve the problem by
understanding the true structure of a parallelogram (i.e., the figure can be bisected
anywhere if the ends are joined).
Principles:

1. The learner should be encouraged to discover the underlying nature of a topic

or problem (i.e., the relationship among the elements).

2. Gaps, incongruities, or disturbances are an important stimulus for learning

3. Instruction should be based upon the laws of organization: proximity, closure,

similarity and simplicity.