Aesthetic complexity and exploratory behavior.

To test the hypothesized relationship between exploratory behavior and stimulus complexity, 15 paintings comprising three levels of complexity were derived from ratings by 30 Ss. A further 30 Ss were requested to view the compositions for as long as they wished, and a third group of 30 Ss were asked to write any questions they might have in response to each painting. Data showed a monotonic relationship between complexity and looking time. Total questions and specific interrogations were most frequent for complex stimuli. Yes-no questions did not vary with rated complexity.