Assessment of Field Dependence in Young Children

Abstract

In a series of exploratory studies to develop instruments for measuring field dependence in young children, a total of 312 Japanese middle-class children, ages 5 to 6, served as subjects. Without changing the essential nature of the original test, the geometric Embedded-figures test attained relatively high internal consistency (KR-20 in the .80's) and stability ( R = .83 to .52, at intervals of 1.5 to 13 mo.). Correlation pattern between the Embedded Figures Test and Wechsler subscales similar to that of older subjects was influenced by the speed factor in embedded figures and Wechsler performance scales. Correlation between Kato's portable Rod-and-frame test and embedded figures was significant only in boys. In addition, the correlation pattern between the rod and frame and the preschool Wechsler was not consistent with Witkin's conceptualization. A newly developed darkroom Rod-and-Frame Test correlated with embedded figures for both sexes. Additional analyses indicated the need for more refined instructions to subjects regarding the concept of upright. Some children had more than one anchoring point for responding. Nyborg's scoring method and the relationship of Piagetian spatial concept to rod-and-frame performance are discussed.