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Updated: Jul 6, 2026
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Generating Strictly Controlled Stimuli for Figure Recognition Experiments
Published on: March 18, 2019
Field dependence and stimulus complexity in a figure copying task.
Carol A Coté1, Angela M O'Donnell
1Department of Educational Psychology, Graduate School of Education, Rutgers University, 10 Seminary Place, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA. ccote@eden.rutgers.edu
Perceptual and Motor Skills
|April 3, 2008
Summary
Field dependence, a cognitive style, was assessed using a new Rod-and-Frame Test variation. Results show that misleading frames influenced drawings, indicating field dependence is linked to task complexity and age.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Perceptual Psychology
Background:
- Field dependence is a concept in cognitive style research, notably from Witkin's laboratory.
- Jean Piaget also recognized field dependence as crucial for visuoperceptual analysis development.
- Traditional assessments include the Rod-and-Frame Test and the Embedded Figures Test.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel task to assess field dependence, building upon the Rod-and-Frame Test.
- To investigate the influence of misleading frames on drawing orientation in different age groups.
- To examine the relationship between task complexity, age, and field-dependent behavior.
Main Methods:
- A new task was created, adapting the Rod-and-Frame Test by embedding a target stimulus within a misleading frame.
- Experiment 1 involved 36 kindergartners drawing stimuli within misleading frames.
- Experiment 2 involved 65 adults performing a similar task with more complex stimulus figures.
Main Results:
- Misleading frames significantly impacted the orientation of drawings by kindergartners.
- Adults' drawings of complex figures were also influenced by the misleading frames.
- Field-dependent behavior demonstrated a relationship with both task complexity and participant age.
Conclusions:
- The new task effectively demonstrated field-dependent behavior in both children and adults.
- Age and task complexity are significant factors influencing field dependence.
- The study suggests a low correlation between this new task and the traditional Embedded Figures Test.
