The hypothesis that field dependence and the ability to judge spatial coordinates are related skills was tested by having 75 female and 29 male undergraduates complete a test, based on Piagetian concepts, that required subjects to solve problems involving spatial coordinates, and a test of field dependence that used embedded-figure problems. Results supported the hypothesis to a moderate degree and were consistent with previous research showing that men perform more competently than women on paper-and-pencil spatial problems.
References
1.
DerussyE. A., & FutchE.Field dependence-independence as related to college curricula. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 1971, 33, 1235–1237.
2.
GoldsteinA. G., & ChanceJ. E.Effects of practice on sex related differences on the Embedded Figures Test. Journal of Psychometric Science, 1965, 3, 361–362.
RennaM., & ZenhausernR.The Group Embedded Figures Test: normative data. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 1976, 43, 1176–1178.
5.
SpradlinL. M., & HensleyJ. H.An extension of evidence on sex differences in the failure of a water-level conservation task by adults. Journal of Genetic Psychology, 1979, 135, 305–306.
6.
SterickerA., & LeVesconteS.Effect of brief training on sex related differences on visual and spatial skills. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 1982, 43, 1018–1029.
7.
WitkinH. A.Individual differences in the ease and perception of the Embedded Figures Test. Journal of Personality, 1950, 19, 1–15.
8.
WitkinH. A.LewisH. B.HertzmanM.MachoverK.MeissnerP. B., & WapnerS.Personality through perception. New York: Harper, 1954.
9.
WitkinH. A.OltmanP. K.RaskinE., & KarpS. A.A manual for the Embedded Figures Tests. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press, 1971.
