Experimental aesthetics: Children’s complexity preference in original art and photoreproductions

Abstract

The relationship between aesthetic preference and complexity was studied in children, comparing full-size original abstract artworks with reduced-size photoreproductions. No preference for complexity was found; rather, a tendency toward preference for intermediate levels of complexity, or rejection of high complexity, seemed to be indicated, primarily for the full-size original artworks. There was little relationship between results with the original artworks and their reduced-size photoreproductions, suggesting, until further research can be accomplished, a cautionary note in the widespread use of photoreproductions in experimental aesthetics. © 1980, The Psychonomic Society, Inc.. All rights reserved.