Field-dependence/independence and active learning of verbal and geometric material

Field-independent individuals generally perform better on learning and memory tasks than field-dependent persons. One explanation for this superiority is that field-independent subjects take a more active approach to learning, while field-dependent subjects take a more passive, spectator approach. In the present study, field-dependent and independent subjects were asked to sort geometric and verbal material into pigeon holes according to category exemplars, forcing both groups to take an active role in learning. Subsequently, they were asked to recall the locations of the categories. Both groups excelled at the sorting task; however, field-dependent subjects were poorer at it. On the recall task, there was a continued superiority in performance by field-independent subjects. The results suggest that memory differences between the two groups cannot be reduced to active versus passive learning styles. To the contrary, active learning may interfere with the memory of field-dependent persons by increasing demands for processing.