What psychological concept describes the process of filling in missing gaps to perceive complete forms?

The concept of closure is fundamental in psychology and refers to the tendency of individuals to perceive incomplete shapes or forms as complete. This occurs when the mind fills in missing information to create a whole image or experience, enabling the perception of familiar patterns or objects despite gaps in the visual input.

For example, when viewing an array of dots forming a circle, individuals can recognize the circle even if portions are missing. This cognitive process allows us to make sense of fragmented information and is essential for interpreting visual stimuli within our environment. Closure is a key principle in Gestalt psychology, which emphasizes how we perceive holistic patterns rather than just a collection of parts.

Understanding closure is crucial because it illustrates how our cognitive processes can lead us to complete our perceptions based on prior knowledge and context, enhancing our ability to navigate and interpret the world around us.