Journal of Mental Science (1954) 100: 558-579. doi: 10.1192/bjp.100.419.558
© 1954 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
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The Symmetry of Constructed Patterns

J. P. S. Robertson, M.A., Ph.D., Senior Psychologist

Research Department, Netherne Hospital, Coulsdon, Surrey

ABSTRACT

  1. Patterns were obtained from mental-hospital patients of various categories by a technique akin to that of the mosaic test but simpler and more delimited.
  2. An objective method of quantifying the level of symmetry was devised.
  3. The symmetry-scores so obtained showed a high degree of reliability.
  4. Inquiry was made into the effects on symmetry-level of differences in sex, intelligence and degree of social adjustment among relatively well-behaved patients. The effects of severe behavioural pathology were also investigated. Intelligence was shown to be the major factor in determining symmetry-level. Females tended to have lower symmetry-scores than males. Degree of social adjustment had no significant effect. Severe behavioural pathology tended to lower symmetry-scores and this was interpreted as essentially a cognitive phenomenon.
  5. Various findings in regard to the relationship between symmetry of shape and symmetry of colour were recorded.
  6. The reasons for the findings were discussed.

Received for publication November 11, 1953.