Seeing shapes in seemingly random spatial patterns: Fractal analysis of Rorschach inkblots

Abstract

Rorschach inkblots have had a striking impact on the worlds of art and science because of the remarkable variety of associations with recognizable and namable objects they induce. Originally adopted as a projective psychological tool to probe mental health, psychologists and artists have more recently interpreted the variety of induced images simply as a signature of the observers’ creativity. Here we analyze the relationship between the spatial scaling parameters of the inkblot patterns and the number of induced associations, and suggest that the perceived images are induced by the fractal characteristics of the blot edges. We discuss how this relationship explains the frequent observation of images in natural scenery.

What the “man in the moon” can tell us about the future of our brains

“…The "man in the moon", induced by the lunar surface structure, is often referenced as a classical pareidolia existent since ancient times, although different cultures and observer positions see different faces or figures. Apart from its use in the context of Lewy body disease, it has been suggested that pareidolias do not, per se, reflect a pathologic sign, but instead a well-wired brain or even reflect creativity (26).…”

“…Historically, the pareidolias evoked by looking at the random patterns of the Rorschach ink plots have been promoted as a "psychological X-ray" able to "unlock the hidden secrets of the human unconscious" (26). In more recent times, the ability to recognize shapes and figures in Rorschach plots has been viewed as more indicative of the observer's creativity (26).…”

“…In more recent times, the ability to recognize shapes and figures in Rorschach plots has been viewed as more indicative of the observer's creativity (26). More recently, the potential of the human brain to create pareidolic responses has been target of research and other applications.…”

“…More recently, fractal analysis of the historical Rorschach ink plots has demonstrated that the ability of each plot pattern to induce a sizable number of pareidolic responses is related to certain fractal characteristics that occur on the edges of the plots (26). Based on the results of their fractal analysis study, Taylor et al suggest that future developments could try to better define certain pattern characteristics that stimulate pareidolic responses, for instance for camouflage design or artificial vision (26).…”

“…Based on the results of their fractal analysis study, Taylor et al suggest that future developments could try to better define certain pattern characteristics that stimulate pareidolic responses, for instance for camouflage design or artificial vision (26).…”