Field-Dependence, Extraversion and Perception of the Vertical: Empirical and Theoretical Perspectives of the Rod-and-Frame Test

Abstract

Using conventional scoring procedures for the Rod-and-frame Test (RFT), extraversion was shown to interact with field-dependence (defined by scores on the Hidden-shapes Test), with the field-dependent extraverts being most inaccurate performers on the rod and frame. Of greater importance, serious questions were raised about theoretical and empirical aspects of the relationship between paper-and-pencil measures of field-dependence and performance on the rod and frame, and it was concluded that “what has … been demonstrated over the past ten years is the reliability of a relationship of questionable validity.”