GESTALT LEARNING THEORY

Gestalt Learning TheoryGestalt is the German word for "form," and

as it applied in Gestalt psychology it means "unified whole" or "configuration." It is focused on the mind’s perceptive.

Gestalt was a holistic approach and rejected the mechanistic perspectives of the stimulus - response models. The essential point of gestalt is that in perception, the whole is different from the sum of its parts or the whole is greater than just the sum of the parts.

Gestalt Learning Theory Gestalt theory influences thinking and

problem-solving skills by an “appropriate substantive organization, restructuring, and centering of the given in the direction of the desired solution.”

It is defined as a tendency that makes every psychological event simple, concise, symmetrical, harmonious and complete.

Comparison of SchoolsStructuralism Behaviorism Gestalt

Elements of mind Elements of behavior

Mind or behavior must be studied in “wholes”, not as elements or parts.

Molecules of mind Molecular behavior Molar behavior or mind

Introspection Observation and Experimentation

Observation and Experimentation

Introspection Observation and Experimentation

Approach: Mental Approach: Behavioral Approach: Cognitive

Max Wertheimerapplied Gestalt theory to problem solving. According to Wertheimer, the parts of the problem

should not be isolated but instead should be seen a whole. This way, the learner can obtain a new, deeper structural view of the situation.

Wertheimer developed a concept titled “Pragnanz”. It states that “when things are grasped as whole,

the minimal amount of energy is exerted in thinking.”

It deals with bringing meaning and completeness to our beliefs, values, needs, and attitudes.

Phi Phenomenona perceptual experience that is different from

the sum of sensory elements. Wertheimer explained that you are seeing an

effect of the whole event, not contained in the sum of the parts.

Examples:1. When two lights flash at a certain speed, we

perceive a singular light oscillating back and forth.

Phi Phenomenon2. The apparent motion created by a rapid

sequence of stills in motion pictures.3. The sequence of illuminating elements in

neon signs which give the illusion of movement.

Phi PhenomenonThis phenomenon led to the conclusion that

elements sensed are not the only realityThey proposed that perceptual experiences

were not the sum of sensory elements.Gestalt psychologists attempted to discover

refinements of the law of Prägnanz, and this involved writing down laws which hypothetically allowed us to predict the interpretation of sensation that are often called “Gestalt Laws"

Gestalt Laws

Law of Closure — Missing elements are supplied to complete a familiar figure. The mind may conceptualize elements that are not perceived through sensation in order to complete a regular figure.

Gestalt Laws

Law of Similarity — The mind groups similar elements into collective entities or totalities. This similarity might depend on relationships of form, color, size, or brightness.

Gestalt Laws

Law of Proximity — Near objects are grouped together. Spatial or temporal proximity of elements may induce the mind to perceive a collective or totality.

Gestalt Laws

Law of Symmetry (Figure ground relationships)— Symmetrical images are perceived collectively, even in spite of distance.

Gestalt Laws

Law of Continuity — Pieces in smooth continuation are grouped together. The mind continues visual, auditory, and kinetic patterns.

Gestalt Laws

Law of Common Fate — Elements with the same moving direction are perceived as a collective or unit.

Wolfgang KohlerHe tested apes and chickens with detour

problems. He found out that animals learn with insight.

Kohler’s experiments with animal learning led him to conclude that animals exhibited insights when relations among stimuli and responses were learned, rather than simple stimulus-response connections critical to behaviorist theory.

Wolfgang KohlerThe apes were subjected to different trials of

having to obtain food that was just out of their reach.

They learned how to construct a way to get the food, whether standing on a box to get it, making a long stick to reach it, through trial and error.

Kohler determined that the apes generated an “interconnection based on the properties of the things themselves” and thus developed insight on how to get the food based on the tools they had available at a given time. 

Wolfgang KohlerPrägnanz simplified perception (perceptual

equilibrium) and brought solution to the problem with a satisfying “aha” experience.

The law of closure brought comprehension to meaningless arcs and blotches and made the figures meaningful.

Kurt KoffkaSince brain modifies all incoming sensory

information, many think that this arrangement may have little room for making memories. Koffka (1935) attempted to clarify that with a concept of memory trace.

When an experience terminates, its effect remains as a trace in the brain and affects future experiences.

A process (trace) caused by an experience in “pure” form happens only once. Thereafter it each new experience (trace) interacts with an old trace forming a trace system.

Gestalt Learning Theory

Gestalt Learning Theory

Gestalt Learning Theory