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A shared fractal aesthetic across development

Author

Listed:
  • Kelly E. Robles

    (University of Oregon)

  • Nicole A. Liaw

    (University of Oregon)

  • Richard P. Taylor

    (University of Oregon)

  • Dare A. Baldwin

    (University of Oregon)

  • Margaret E. Sereno

    (University of Oregon)

Abstract

Fractal patterns that repeat at varying size scales comprise natural environments and are also present in artistic works deemed to be highly aesthetic. Observers’ aesthetic preferences vary in relation to fractal complexity. Previous work demonstrated that fractal preference consistently peaks at low-to-moderate complexity for patterns that repeat in a statistical manner across scale, whereas preference for exact repetition fractals peaks at a higher complexity due to the presence of order introduced by symmetry and exact recursion of features. However, these highly consistent preference trends have been demonstrated only in adult populations, and the extent to which exposure, development, or individual differences in perceptual strategies may impact preference has not yet been established. Here, we show differences in preference between fractal-type, but no differences between child and adult preferences, and no relationship between systemizing tendencies (demonstrated by the Systemizing Quotient and Ponzo task) and complexity preferences, further supporting the universality of fractal preference. Consistent preferences across development point toward shared general aesthetic experience of these complexities arising from a fluency of fractal processing established relatively early in development. This in part determines how humans experience natural patterns and interact with natural and built environments.

Suggested Citation

  • Kelly E. Robles & Nicole A. Liaw & Richard P. Taylor & Dare A. Baldwin & Margaret E. Sereno, 2020. "A shared fractal aesthetic across development," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 7(1), pages 1-8, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:7:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-020-00648-y
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-020-00648-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Celeste Kidd & Steven T Piantadosi & Richard N Aslin, 2012. "The Goldilocks Effect: Human Infants Allocate Attention to Visual Sequences That Are Neither Too Simple Nor Too Complex," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 7(5), pages 1-8, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Richard P. Taylor & Richard York, 2022. "Fractal shifts and esthetic rifts: climate change and emotional well-being," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 173(1), pages 1-9, July.
    2. Alexandros A. Lavdas & Nikos A. Salingaros, 2021. "Can Suboptimal Visual Environments Negatively Affect Children’s Cognitive Development?," Challenges, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-12, November.

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