Which principle describes the perception of complete shapes even when they are not fully present?

The principle that describes the perception of complete shapes even when they are not fully present is the principle of closure. This concept comes from Gestalt psychology, which emphasizes how our brains organize visual information. Closure occurs when the mind fills in missing parts of a visual stimulus to create a cohesive whole, allowing us to perceive complete shapes and forms despite gaps or incomplete data.

For instance, when presented with a circle that has a small segment missing, our brains tend to perceive it as a full circle rather than an incomplete shape. This ability to fill in the gaps relies on our inherent tendency to see patterns and complete figures, which is fundamental to how we interpret visual information in our surroundings. The principle of closure reinforces the idea that perception is not merely a passive reception of stimuli but an active process of interpretation and organization by the mind.