Abstract
The role of surface correlation and Fourier analysis in predicting similarity of cross-modally presented contours was investigated. Experiment 1 presented a melody followed by two line drawings; participants were to choose the drawing that matched the melody. Participants were not more likely to choose the distracter when its contour was similar to the melody. Experiment 2 presented a melody followed by a line drawing, participants rated the similarity between the two. Ratings were predicted by the surface correlation between the melody and drawing, and information derived from the Fourier analysis model. Experiment 3 reversed the order of presentation; surface correlation and Fourier analysis information again predicted similarity ratings. Participants with musical training made more use of surface correlation in their judgments of similarity. These results validate the Fourier analysis and surface correlation models of contour cross-modally and highlight the importance of global information in the perception of contour.