Which principle of Gestalt Psychology refers to completing incomplete figures?

The principle of Gestalt Psychology that refers to completing incomplete figures is Closure. This concept suggests that when we see a visual element that is incomplete, our minds tend to fill in the missing parts to create a whole, coherent image. For example, if there are gaps in a shape, the brain instinctively "closes" these gaps to perceive the shape as a whole rather than as disjointed components. This means that even if part of an object is absent, people will often perceive it as completed based on the surrounding visual cues.

The idea of Closure plays a significant role in how we interpret visual information and supports the efficient processing of images in our environment. This principle is essential for understanding how we recognize familiar shapes and forms in our daily lives, as it allows us to rapidly make sense of partial information. In contrast to the other principles, which focus on aspects like similarity or spatial arrangement, Closure specifically addresses the cognitive process of completing incomplete images, distinguishing it as a unique and vital part of our perceptual experience.