Independent and interdependent self-construals do not predict analytic or holistic reasoning

Independent self-construals in Western cultures may promote analytic information processing and low field dependence, while interdependent self-construals in Eastern cultures may foster holistic information processing and high field dependence. To examine these ideas, the social orientation and cognitive style of 254 introductory psychology students were measured. Multiple regression analyses indicated a non-significant relationship between the participants' social orientation and cognitive style (R(2)s ranged from .00 to .01, 95% confidence intervals for R(2) ranged from .00 to .05). These findings indicate that the hypothesis that collectivism and individualism are associated with differences in information processing between individuals needs further scrutiny. The possible reasons for the lack of association between social orientation and cognitive style are discussed.