Children Prefer Seeing Fractal Patterns
Children via way of means of Age three Prefer Seeing Fractal Patterns:
Source: University of Oregon
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Abstract
A shared fractal aesthetic across development
Fractal patterns that repeat at varying size scales comprise natural environments and are also present in highly aesthetic artistic works. Observers’ aesthetic preferences vary about fractal complexity. Previous work demonstrated that fractal preference consistently peaks at low-to-moderate complexity for patterns that repeat statistically across scales. In contrast, the preference for exact repetition fractals peaks higher due to the order introduced by symmetry and exact recursion features. However, these highly consistent preference trends have been demonstrated only in adult populations. 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. Still, there are no differences between child and adult preferences. There is 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 the shared general aesthetic experience of these complexities arising from the 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.