field dependence

a cognitive style in which the individual consistently relies more on external referents (environmental cues) than on internal referents (bodily sensation cues). The opposite tendency is field independence. Discovered during experiments conducted in the 1950s to understand the factors that determine perception of the upright in space, field dependence–independence typically is measured using the Rod-and-Frame Test or Embedded Figures Test.

Browse dictionary by letter

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Psychology term of the day

May 9th 2024

word-superiority effect (WSE)

Sorry, "word-superiority-effect-wse" is not in the Dictionary of Psychology. Please report to APA if you believe this is an error.