Performance of Field-Dependent and Field-Independent Subjects on a Rod and Frame Discrimination Task

Abstract

This study assessed the relative ability of 7 field-independent and 8 field-dependent persons to detect changes in rod and frame positions. Each subject received 90 discrimination trials. Each trial consisted of the standard stimulus (both rod and frame tilted 15° to the subject's left) followed by a comparison stimulus (rod or frame differing from the standard by 3°, 6°, 9°, or 12°). Results supported the hypothesized superiority of field-independent persons in detecting frame changes; however, detections of rod changes did not differentiate field-dependent from field-independent persons.