Final answer:
The principle that we tend to select the most likely interpretation of an ambiguous object's shape is known as the law of prägnanz or simplicity, which is a Gestalt principle of visual perception.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement "When confronted with two or more possible interpretations of an object's shape, we tend to select the most likely interpretation," relates to a Gestalt principle of visual perception. Specifically, this is an example of the law of prägnanz or the principle of simplicity which states that individuals will perceive and interpret ambiguous or complex images as the simplest form(s) possible. This principle is part of Gestalt psychology, which is critical in understanding how our perceptions are constructed. Gestalt psychologists argue that the brain creates a coherent, singular perception that is more than the sum of sensory inputs, and it applies rules or principles, like the law of prägnanz, to do so.
Other Gestalt principles include the figure-ground relationship, which determines what is seen as the main object and what is seen as the background; the principle of proximity, suggesting objects that are close to one another are perceived as a group; the principle of similarity, where similar objects are grouped together; the law of continuity, which smoothens out disconnected pieces into continuous lines; and the principle of closure, which deals with seeing complete figures even when parts are missing.