How universal is preference for visual curvature? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Resumen

Evidence dating back a century suggests that humans are sensitive to and exhibit a preference for visual curvature. Recently, this effect has been observed in different age groups, human cultures, and primate species, suggesting that a preference for curvature might be universal. At the same time, several studies have found preference for curvature to be modulated by contextual and individual factors, casting doubt on this hypothesis. To resolve these conflicting findings, we conducted a systematic meta-analysis of studies that have investigated preference for visual curvature. The results of a three-level random effects model revealed a Hedges’ g of .39—consistent with a medium effect size. Further analyses revealed preference for curvature to be moderated by four factors: Presentation time, stimulus type, expertise, and task. Together, our results suggest that preference for visual curvature is a reliable but not universal phenomenon, and influenced by factors other than perceptual information.

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Cómo citar (APA 7)

Chuquichambi, E. G., Vartanian, O., Skov, M., Corradi, G., Nadal, M., Silvia, P., & Munar, E. (2022). How universal is preference for visual curvature? A systematic review and meta-analysis. https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/tw8v3