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Study One

Fractal Dimensions and Visual Complexity: An interrelated concept?

Visual complexity and fractal dimension have been considered distinct fields of perceptual stimulus, however this study aims to explore the relationships between the two related concepts. Study one of this thesis explores the relationship between the fractal stimuli and their associated fractal dimension (FD) developed for use in this thesis to measures of computational visual complexity obtained by analysing the fractal stimulus using the GIF ratio compression technique.

Study Two

Cross-cultural comparisons between UK and Egypt samples: Rating Scale Method

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The aim of the second study used UK and Egyptian samples in a bid to explore cross-cultural preference for fractal complexity in addition to recreate Souief & Eysenck’s 1971 study exploring differences in complexity across the two cultures. Souief & Eysenck’s previously found that British people (with no art training) preferred complex figures but Egyptian people (with no art training) preferred the simple images. As visual complexity is significantly related to Fractal Dimension (FD) this study aims to test this hypothesis with new and improved methods of quantifying complexity. Eysenck and Souief (1971) did not believe that their data supported large aesthetic differences between cultures but instead believed that the findings point towards a universal preference and to unpick these findings further. The second study within this thesis considers the response of UK and Egyptian

aim is to explore in greater detail the impact of country/culture on visual preferences for fractal patterns.

Study Three

Validating the mid-range hypothesis for fractal preference

This study aimed to re-test an established theory of fractal preference, the mid- range hypothesis established by Taylor et al (2001). Taylor and colleagues found evidence that preferences for fractal patterns consistently fall within the mid-range of the fractal continuum (D1.3-1.5). With lower preferences being shown for the images at the higher (D1.7-1.9) or the lower end (D1.1-1.2) of the fractal continuum. To allow comparisons to be made and validate the current established thinking, study three also introduces two further models to understanding preference for fractal complexity including a linear model of preference (with a directional relationship) as well as an equalised-mid model (systematic grouping of fractal dimension instead of lower end weighing in Taylor’s model) to explore how well each model fit the preference data. The study adopts an online design, allowing participants from different countries and cultures to complete the study. This study aims to test if the mid-range preference hypothesis is stable across a wider international and cross-cultural sample adding support from Taylor and colleagues conclusions. Within the field there was a great need for the study, as so far the samples within the field of fractal aesthetics have been limited to WEIRD samples (Henrich, Heine & Norenzayan, 2010) meaning that the majority of data collection is done on Western, Educated, Industrialised, Rich and Democratic populations- it is the view of this author that if assertions are to be made about the universality of preferences, it is important to explore this from a cross-cultural and more varied sample.

Study Four

Optimal Fractal Preference; Stability across culture and within sub- cultural visual environments

Following from the cross-cultural differences found in study three. Study 4 aimed to explore if sub-cultural factors could be a powerful predictor of differences in preferences found in previous literature (see chapter 4). This study aims to explore not only a greater controlled cross-cultural sample but also explore sub-cultural differences looking at the differences between urban, rural and suburban classifications of the visual environment. Previous literature has found differences between aesthetic judgments of those living in Urban and Rural backgrounds, in addition the Mere-exposure hypothesis would suggest that the environment in which we live influences preferences. It is therefore hypothesised that the classification of a person’s environment can change preferences for peak level of fractal complexity. As those living in rural environments viewers are exposed to a high number of fractal and complex natural patterns it is proposed highest preferences will be reported for high FD/complex images. Alternatively those living in urban environments are exposed to mainly Euclidean and man-made shapes opposed to natural and commonly fractal patterns, therefore it is proposed preferences for higher complexity will be lower than the rural group.

Study Five

Connectedness of Nature & Environmental Classification

This study aimed to explore if our aesthetic responses to fractal patterns is related to how connected we feel to nature. Results of previous studies within this thesis suggest that individuals living in rural environments demonstrated higher preference for higher complexity/fractal patterns than those living in urban environments. Previous literature exploring landscape and aesthetics has shown that the environment in which we spend time and see regularly governs our

preferences. It is proposed that this difference in aesthetic judgment may result in differing opinion in how connected we feel towards nature. The study aims to explore if preference towards complex fractal patterns based on visual experience goes further than purely aesthetics response and instead has additional impact beyond aesthetics such as how connected, and as a result how likely we are to protect the natural environment.

Study Six

The relationship between Lifespan, Culture & Gender as predictors to Fractal Preference

The study aimed to explore the strength of the individual differences Age, Continent and Gender on preference for fractal patterns. Each was found as significant predictor model of preference in the previous studies with this thesis. Study 6 examines a combination of the entire data and one additional small set of ‘elderly’ participants to test the reliability of the age effects across a wider sample. Previous landscape research suggests that younger people have higher preference for busy and complex environments where as elderly people show less preference for ‘wild’ nature. Does this mean less preference for fractal patterns? The wider sample of participants allows more reliable contrasts between continents. This study aims to further test the complexity and mid-range models of fractal preference explored throughout previous studies within this thesis.