KWASI-3: Bridging Cognitive Psychology and Art

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Authors: Sanjay Patel & Elena Gomez

Published in: Psychology of Aesthetics, Volume 15, Issue 1, Pages 67-84, 2010.

Abstract: In the study “KWASI-3: Bridging Cognitive Psychology and Art,” authors Sanjay Patel and Elena Gomez embark on an exploratory journey to intersect the fields of cognitive psychology and art using the Kinsey Walhberg Assessment Instrument, third edition (KWASI-3). This pioneering paper presents a comprehensive analysis of how cognitive psychological principles can be integrated into art evaluation and interpretation through the KWASI-3 framework. The paper begins by outlining the key components of KWASI-3, such as dimensional topology, activation shape, and the unique inclusion of cognitive factors including content and Eyefeel™, along with intensity parameters like the chaos index, scale, light, color, and sound.

Patel and Gomez then delve into the cognitive processes underlying art perception and creation, examining how KWASI-3 can be employed to decode these processes. They discuss the role of cognitive factors in shaping the artistic experience and interpretation, thereby highlighting the instrument’s capability to analyze art beyond its physical properties. The paper presents empirical findings from a series of experiments and analyses conducted using KWASI-3 on various art forms. These studies demonstrate the instrument’s effectiveness in capturing the cognitive and emotional responses elicited by art.

Additionally, the authors explore the implications of their findings for both cognitive psychology and art criticism. They argue that KWASI-3 offers a unique lens through which the psychological impact of art can be quantitatively and qualitatively assessed. The paper concludes by proposing future research directions, emphasizing the potential of KWASI-3 to further bridge the gap between cognitive psychology and art, and enhance our understanding of the psychological underpinnings of artistic expression and appreciation.

Keywords: Cognitive Psychology, Art Analysis, KWASI-3, Art Perception, Emotional Response, Psychological Impact, Art Criticism.