The effect of the orientation axis of symmetrical dot-patterns on judgments of pattern goodness was investigated. As the independent variable, the orientation axis of symmetrical dot-patterns was manipulated between 0 degrees (vertical orientation), ±45 degrees and ±90 degrees (horizontal orientation). Random dot-patterns were used as the control condition (i. e. asymmetrical dot-patterns) Participants were asked to evaluate the goodness of the pattern using a 7 point-scale. The results indicated that the goodness of the pattern was rated higher at 0 degree than at ±45 degrees, at ±90 degrees, or in the asymmetrical, control condition. Pattern goodness was similar when the axis-orientation of symmetrical dot-patterns was ±45 degrees, ±90 degrees and in the control condition. These results suggest that bilateral symmetry is an important factor in the goodness of patterns.
