“Principle of economy” and perception of pictorial depth: A cross-cultural comparison

Two experiments were conducted to ascertain whether the “principle of economy” can be applied to perception of the third dimension in simple geometric diagrams, and whether such principle could be said to apply cross-culturally. Support for application of the principle was found in the case of one of the two sets of stimuli used. Cross-cultural investigation involving Ivorean and Scottish school children did not show cross-cultural differences in applicability of the principle.