The Getsalt principle explains why the figures,$$$$AAA###, are perceived as three groups instead of nine separate figures.
What three groups, I see 10 figures.
What is your question?
The _________Getsalt principle explains why the figures, $$$AAA###, are perceived as three groups instead of nine separate figures. Choose from the following A) closure B)Continuity C)Similarity D)Proximity
Let me give you an example:
$A#A$##$A
Hmmmm. So was it the proximity of the first set?
similarity
Nope, I think it was proximity. The set I gave you did not have proximity, but there were three similar sets hidden there.
similarity
okay i see
Here's a good explanation of those:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gestalt_psychology#Pr.C3.A4gnanz
Ok, put down similarity, and get it wrong. Machts Nichts.
Actually, an easier and more visual description is here:
http://psychology.about.com/od/sensationandperception/ss/gestaltlaws.htm
Lupe, I think you and bobpursley are both right. Proximity of the whole figure would more likely lead you to perceive it as one unit, while similarity would lead you to perceive it as three. However, proximity of the similar figures to each other leads them to be grouped together as three units rather than one. (Notice how it is harder to perceive three separate groups in bobpursley's example than the original.)
Since there is no space between the figures, there is no need for closure. Continuity would lead you to perceive it as one unit, because they all continue on that line.
I hope this helps a little more. Thanks for asking.