background noise (ground). This can also be referred to as the "cocktail party effect." Figure–ground segregation in hearing is not automatic; rather, it requires attention and draws on resources that are shared across vision and audition. Types of figure–ground problems There are three types of figure–ground problems: The figure and the ground compete. The figure should be the ground and the ground should be the figure. The figure and ground create an optical illusion. See also Composition (visual arts) Ma (negative space) Negative space White space (visual arts) References External links Figure Ground, a puzzle game plays on the figure–ground illusion. Design Optical illusions Dichotomies Perception Cognitive psychology