Electrophysiological Evaluation of Perceived Complexity in Streetscapes

Abstract

This study represents an experimental research based on the electrophysiological evaluation of perceived complexity in streetscapes. Two physical measurements of perceived complexity, based on RMS contrast statistics and fractal information, were compared to human judgmental responses issued from brainwaves using Epoc Emotiv neuroheadset. The results indicated that frequency bands showed significant results in alpha and beta power bands in occipital and frontal electrodes, respectively. The higher the degree of familiarity with the streetscape image, the higher the degree of relaxation reflected by the increase of alpha power. Alpha power increased in dark streetscape images. RMS contrast statistics as well as fractal dimension values showed a positive correlation with beta band power associated with arousal and attention.