The effects of personal traits and complexity on aesthetic preferences

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between aesthetic preferences related to visual complexity and personal traits. For this purpose, we used nine images with geometric shapes and nine photographs of building façades, each of which was manipulated to represent three complexity levels. According to “The Big-Five Model”, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Emotional Stability (Neuroticism), and Intellect are the five main personal traits. Effect of these personal traits on aesthetic preferences about visual complexity was examined by conducting an online research with 207 respondents (144 women and 63 men). Results show that the relationship between aesthetic preference for complexity on geometric shapes and age is positive which means older respondents prefer more complex stimuli than younger ones.Results also revealed that interrelationship between rated complexity of geometric shapes and agreeableness is positive which means when a person has the higher score in agreeableness he/she also rates geometric shapes as more complex. The interrelationship of rated complexity of geometric shapes and conscientiousness also is positive. A similar tendency exists on the complexity ratings of building façades for the respondents who have higher scores of extraversion. People who have higher scores on extraversion rated building façades as more complex. As a result of this study conducted with geometric shapes and building façades, personal traits, complexity and familiarity are affected the aesthetic preference of respondents.