When Mark goes to give Sven a congratulatory pat on the back after a job well done, he jumps and turns away. Mark has just read Chapter 1 and fancies himself something of a Gestalt psychologist. What is he likely to think about Sven's behavior?
A) "Sven must have been abused as a child."
B) "What's his problem? A pat on the back is a reinforcer."
C) "Sven must have interpreted my gesture differently than I intended."
D) "Sven must have low self-esteem."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

As a Gestalt psychologist, Mark would likely focus on how Sven perceived the gesture rather than any deeper psychological issues. Sven's reaction suggests that he interpreted the pat on the back differently, potentially as an invasion of personal space or a threat. This demonstrates the Gestalt principle of "figure and ground," where the context of the situation influences our perception of events.

When Mark Goes to Give Sven a Congratulatory Pat on the Back