The relationship between symmetry and apparent reversals of enantiomorphic (mirror-reflected) objects was investigated. Subjects were presented with a series of standard and enantiomorphic books with various structural symmetries. The object directions (top-front-right) assigned to standard books were compared with the directions assigned to their enantiomorphs and the axes of apparent reversal determined. The primary finding was that apparent reversals were not limited to the left-right dimension. Reversals of top-bottom and front-back were also obtained. In most cases, apparent reversals occurred along the axis of structural (geometric) symmetry. However, symmetry defined in structural terms did not always predict apparent reversals. In certain cases, subjects perceived reversals most often along the left-right axis, even though (depending on the book) reversals of top-bottom or front-back were equally possible. The concept of perceived symmetry, which includes but is not limited to structural symmetry, is developed. Also, the influence of perceived symmetry on frames of reference is discussed.

Thesis (M. A.) -- University of Limpopo, 2008 / Refer to the document

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