THE COGNITIVE ORGANIZATION OF HUMAN ERRORS - A GESTALT THEORY PERSPECTIVE

Human errors are discussed within the theoretical framework of gestalt theory is compared with cognitive error theories. It is argued that erroneous cognitive processes or actions are not always the consequence of routinisation, but instead are a natural consequence of gestalt organisation independent of whether or not a certain line of action has been learned. Examples from the fields of visual perception, thinking, and goal-directed action are presented, in which the gestalt principles of closure, good continuation, and proximity are conditions governing the emergence of failures. Also discussed is the issue of whether or not errors should be given positive evaluation, as they may be a cue for productive problem solving and may, in certain situations, provide information as to the smoothest path to approaching a goal.