Final answer:
The Gestalt principle that points which form smooth, continuous lines are seen as belonging together is known as the law of good continuation. This principle indicates our preference for seeing lines follow the smoothest path in our visual perception.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Gestalt principle in question is known as the law of good continuation. This principle suggests that elements arranged on a line or curve are perceived to be more related than elements not on the line or curve, particularly if the line or curve is smooth. Humans have a perceptual tendency to experience lines as following the smoothest path. We prefer uncomplicated continuities, and this perception plays a crucial role in how we interpret the world around us visually.
For example, when we look at a series of dots or points, we tend to connect them in our minds to form a continuous line or curve that follows the most seamless, flowing path possible, rather than a jagged and broken line. This reflects our preference for simplicity and order in visual perception.
The principle of good continuation fits within a broader set of Gestalt principles that describe how we perceive patterns and organize sensory stimuli into meaningful perception. This includes principles like proximity, which groups objects close to each other together, and closure, which leads us to see incomplete figures as complete. These principles highlight that our perceptions are shaped by innate tendencies to organize information in the most efficient and cohesive way.