Field Dependence and Hemispheric Specialization

Abstract

It has been suggested that field dependence arises out of deficit in left hemisphere function. There are numerous difficulties encountered in the interpretation of the research leading to this proposition. Problems in the establishment of such cause-effect relationships are outlined, and some future avenues for research are suggested.

Field Dependence-Independence and Brain Organization: The Confluence of Two Different Ways of Describing General Forms of Cognitive Functioning? A Theoretical Review

“…Significant differences in support of their hypothesis (i.e., as a function of location of lesion) were found only in the case of the tactile tests. Garrick (1978) supported Pizzamiglio and Carli's interpretation, pointing out certain similarities between field independence and functions traditionally attributed to the right hemisphere (concept formation, creativity, management of spatial information, etc.). This author also criticized the conclusions reached by Berent and his coworkers, citing studies in which verbal paired-associate tasks had been equated with imaginative processes related to the right hemisphere, thereby bringing into question their value as indicators of the hypothetical cerebral damage occurring in fielddependent subjects.…”

Cognitive styles in the context of modern psychology: Toward an integrated framework of cognitive style.

“…The results from early studies of the relation between field dependence–independence and cerebral functions suggest that differences between FD and FI individuals are more than just general preferences, or deficiencies, based in one or the other hemisphere (e.g., Garrick, 1978; Falcone, 1985; Pizzamiglio & Carli, 1974; see also Tinajero, Paramo, Cadaveira, & Rodriguez-Holguin, 1993, for a review). Researchers generally agree that FD subjects display greater between-hemisphere coherence, suggesting less hemispheric differentiation or specialization (e.g., O'Connor & Shaw, 1977; Oltman, Semple, & Goldstein, 1979).…”

Cerebral Laterality and Handedness in Aviation: Performance and Selection Implications

“…In one of these tests, the Rod and Frame test, some subjects are more affec~ed by the position of a central rod (termed "field Independent" Indlvlduals) while the responses of others are more reiated to the position of the frame surrounding the rod ("field dependent" subjects) (14). In terms of "dominant" hemispheres, field dependent Individuals have been characterized as left hemisphere dominant, and those displaying field Independence as right hemisphere dominant (70).…”