Multidimensional Similarity of Letters

Abstract

28 lower-case letters of the Swedish alphabet were studied by the method of multidimensional similarity analysis. 57 Ss participated in the experiment. 9 factors were found. Factor I is called ‘t’ or ‘Vertical linearity,’ Factor II: ‘o’ or ‘Roundness,’ Factor III: ‘n’ or ‘Parallel vertical linearity,’ Factor IV: ‘i’ or “Vertical linearity with dot,’ Factor V: ‘p’ or ‘Roundness attached to vertical linearity,’ Factor VI: ‘k’ or ‘Vertical linearity with crossness,’ Factor VII: ‘a’ or ‘Roundness attached to a hook,’ Factor VIII: V or ‘Angularity open upward’ and Factor IX: ‘z’ or ‘Zigzaggedness.’ ‘Vertical linearity’ and ‘Roundness’ are the most important of these factors and account for a considerable portion of the similarity among many letters.