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Field dependence-independence and dental students' clinical performance
Journal of Dental Education
|April 1, 1982
Summary
Field independence, assessed by the Embedded Figures Test and Inverted Tracing Test, may predict dental student clinical success. These cognitive style measures showed stronger correlations with clinical grades than Dental Admission Test predictors.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Dental Education
Background:
- Dental educators seek better predictors for clinical performance.
- Field Dependence-Independence (FDI) is a cognitive style construct with broad interest.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate FDI tests as potential predictors of dental student clinical grades.
- To compare FDI test predictive power against Dental Admission Test (DAT) predictors.
Main Methods:
- Two FDI tests were administered: the Embedded Figures Test (EFT) and the Inverted Tracing Test (ITT).
- Multiple regression analyses were used to correlate test parameters with clinical grades.
- Performance on EFT and ITT was characterized as indicative of field independence.
Main Results:
- EFT and ITT parameters demonstrated closer correlations with clinical grades compared to DAT predictors.
- Field-independent individuals may possess an advantage in dental school clinical curricula.
Conclusions:
- The Embedded Figures Test and Inverted Tracing Test show promise as predictors of clinical success in dental education.
- Cognitive style, specifically field independence, may be a significant factor in dental clinical aptitude.
