Which Gestalt principle explains perceiving objects as related when they are physically close?

The correct answer is related to the Gestalt principle of proximity. This principle suggests that objects that are physically close to each other tend to be perceived as a group or a unified whole. When we look at a collection of elements, our brains automatically cluster those that are nearest to one another, treating them as a single entity rather than individual, separate items. This occurs because our perception seeks to create order and organization in the visual field, which helps us make sense of our surroundings.

For example, if you see a series of dots on a page, the ones that are close together will likely be seen as a line or a shape due to their proximity, rather than individual points. This reflects our natural tendency to perceive relationships based on spatial arrangement, shaping how we interpret complex scenes in our environment.