Field-Dependence and Judgment of Weight and Color Revisited: Some Implications for the Study of Sensory Discrimination
Abstract
Based on a construct termed sensitivity of the nervous system and the assumption that field-dependence is an indirect approximation of level of sensitivity, our previous research has predicted and found field-independent groups to be superior to field-dependent groups in color and weight discrimination and in contrast sensitivity. Here, we re-examine weight judgment using a more discriminating test and attempt to replicate previous color results. Seventeen females performed a weight discrimination task (15 weights, 75-145 grams, in 5-gram increments) on two successive days, three trials/day, and two trials on the Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue Test. A field-independent group (N=5) Performed significantly better than a field-dependent group (N=6) on all trials of both tasks. Although N is small, this is the fifth replication (in five attempts) of the color discrimination results and a strong validation of the previous results with weights. It is suggested that in studies of sensory discrimination, some of the so-called random error now must be considered as systematic error, or bias, and that attention should be given to level of sensitivity of participants. Keywords: Psychophysiology, Weight judgment, Color judgment, Females, Sensory discrimination, Field-dependence, Sensitivity of nervous system.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA206141
Entities
People
- Bernard J. Fine
Organizations
- United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine