Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Semester of Degree Completion

1983

Thesis Director

Paul E. Panek

Abstract

The cognitive style of field dependence/independence is a perceptual construct that relates degree of reliance on the visual field to a variety of personality variables. Among the relationships found are that the field independent individuals are less involved with other people, independent in judgment, and cold and distant in interpersonal relationships. In contrast, field dependent subjects are seen as seeking close involvement with others, conforming in judgment, and warm and accepting in interpersonal relationships. Although field dependence/independence has received much attention in the literature over the years, little interest has been shown in the relationship between field dependence/independence and personality for older adults, in spite of the sizeable amount of literature demonstrating a decline in field independence starting at maturity. Therefore, the present study investigated the relationship between field dependence/independence and certain personality variables for young and old adults. Forty-six young adults (M age = 18.45, SD = 2.07) and 45 old adults (M age = 73.96, SD = 7.81) were administered the Group Embedded Figures Test (Witkin, Oltman, Raskin & Karp, 1971), the Hand Test (Wagner, 1962), and the Quick Test (Ammons & Ammons, 1962). No significant difference was found between the young and old adult groups with respect to intelligence. The age groups did differ significantly with respect to Group Embedded Figures Test scores in that the young adult group (M = 11.93, SD = 4.93) was more field independent than the old adult group (M = 3.64, SD = 4.05; p < .001). Additionally, no significant relationships were found between field dependence/independence and personality for the young adult group. A significant relationship was found in the old adult group between the Hand Test variable of Fear, which indicates concern for personal safety, and field dependence (rho = .36, p < .02). Results are discussed as inconsistent with field dependence/independence theory and previous research. Other explanations of the results are considered and suggestion for future research in the area are made.

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