Structural Information Theory
The Simplicity of Visual Form

A coherent and comprehensive theory of visual pattern classification with quantitative models, verifiable predictions and extensive empirical evidence.

Emanuel Leeuwenberg (Author), Peter A. van der Helm (Author)

9781107029606, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 22 November 2012

333 pages, 137 b/w illus. 4 colour illus. 2 tables
23.5 x 15.6 x 2.2 cm, 0.62 kg

'[This] book is a well-written, well-structured overview of SIT at the endpoint of its development. The underlying (meta)theoretical principles and assumptions are spelled out clearly. The empirical support is reviewed in just enough detail to understand all the necessary details. The systematic and coherent presentation of this material makes it relatively easy to digest. The different sections and chapters contain useful previews and interim summaries. The book has a large number of richly detailed coding examples as well as many visual examples, with Leeuwenberg's personal touch (in addition to having a keen eye as a visual phenomenologist, he is also very talented in drawing and painting).' Johan Wagemans, Perception

Structural information theory is a coherent theory about the way the human visual system organises a raw visual stimulus into objects and object parts. To humans, a visual stimulus usually has one clear interpretation even though, in theory, any stimulus can be interpreted in numerous ways. To explain this, the theory focuses on the nature of perceptual interpretations rather than on underlying process mechanisms and adopts the simplicity principle which promotes efficiency of internal resources rather than the likelihood principle which promotes veridicality in the external world. This theoretically underpinned starting point gives rise to quantitative models and verifiable predictions for many visual phenomena, including amodal completion, subjective contours, transparency, brightness contrast, brightness assimilation and neon illusions. It also explains phenomena such as induced temporal order, temporal context effects and hierarchical dominance effects, and extends to evaluative pattern qualities such as distinctiveness, interestingness and beauty.

Introduction
Part I. Towards a Theory of Visual Form: 1. Borders of perception
2. Attributes of visual form
3. Process versus representation
4. Models and principles
5. Assumptions and foundations
Part II. Applications to Visual Form: 6. Formal coding model
7. A perceptual coding manual
8. Preference effects
9. Time effects
10. Hierarchy effects
Part III. Extensions: 11. Perception beyond SIT
12. SIT beyond perception
Overview
Conclusion.

Subject Areas: Neurosciences [PSAN], Perception [JMRP], Cognition & cognitive psychology [JMR], Information theory [GPF]