Comparison of matching and drawing in the perception of shape at various intelligence levels

The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802 The tendency toward shape constancy was investigated using both the traditional matching technique of Thouless and free-hand drawing of the stimulus object. Data were obtained for college students and for institutionalized feebleminded Ss at three levels of intelligence. The previous observation that Ss of higher intelligence level produce a lower tendency toward shape constancy, as measured by the matching method, was confirmed. With the drawing method, the same trend was observed but the differences among groups were exaggerated. The sensitivity of measures of perceived shape to experimental as well as nonexperimental variables is discussed.