Fractal analysis in psychology: perception of self-similar objects

Abstract

IIt is suggested to distinguish two basic lines in studying fractality of psychological phenomena: investigating the perception of fractal objects; analyzing fractal characteristics of psychological functioning including complex social interactions. This paper considers the empirical studies of perception of natural and artificial fractals. The basic findings of these studies are as follows: judgements of aesthetic attractiveness and complexity are interrelated with fractal dimension; universal aesthetic preferences and psychophysiologic correlates of perception of fractal objects are revealed. Some studies describe individual differences in perception of fractals and interrelationships with some psychologic and socio-demographic characteristics. The authors note that the nature and built environment surrounding humans and also the human structural and functional organization at different levels have fractal properties. A general conclusion is substantiated: occurrence of fractal characteristics in psychologic phenomena was a very significant mechanism for adaptation to the environment during the evolution process.