Human aesthetic processing represents a very interesting, albeit complex research topic. The processing of objects, faces, landscapes, graphic patterns and the like is influenced by a variety of factors such as symmetry, complexity, novelty, processing fluency or typicality. These are factors that relate to the object's characteristics. Furthermore, observer-related factors such as personal concepts, attitudes, expectations, emotions, culture and taste play a role in aesthetic evaluations as well.
Aesthetic appreciation was investigated from a largely objectivistic viewpoint, focusing on stimulus characteristics. The study of processing characteristics of aesthetic appreciation per se, such as its sub-processes and and their mental chronometry, has not been in the main focus of research yet.
The present thesis uses the method of electrophysiological recordings and behavioral measurements in order to augment findings on processes underlying aesthetic appreciation of beauty of graphic patterns and human faces.