According to Gestalt psychologists, which of the following best describes their belief about perception?

• A. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
• B. Behavior is primarily shaped by reinforcement and punishment.
• C. Perception is solely determined by individual sensory elements.
• D. Mental processes cannot be studied scientifically.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that Gestalt psychology focuses on how people naturally organize visual elements into groups or unified wholes when certain principles are applied.
2. Recognize that Gestalt psychologists argue perception is not just about individual sensory elements but about the overall pattern or configuration that emerges.
3. Recall the famous Gestalt principle: 'The whole is greater than the sum of its parts,' which means our minds perceive entire patterns or objects, not just separate components.
4. Compare this principle to the other options, noting that behavior shaped by reinforcement and punishment relates to behaviorism, not Gestalt psychology.
5. Conclude that the best description of Gestalt psychologists' belief about perception is that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.