Field Independence

Field independence and field dependence are sometimes referred to as "cognitive controls" in that they control the ways that individuals process information. Assessed by Group Embedded Figures Test, the idea behind field independence is that performance on perceptual/spatial tasks can diagnose an individual's ability to learn and perform on non-perceptual tasks.

Field independent learners:

• Are able to break up an organized visual field and keep part of it separate.
• Excel at remembering names.
• Understand visual cues and are better at math.
• Prefer learning environments that require minimal interaction.
• Enjoy discovery learning and individualized self-paced learning.
• Are more likely to be males.

Field dependent learners:

• Are unable to separate figures from background.
• Excel at remembering faces.
• Have trouble understanding visual cues, for example, recognizing icons on a computer screen.
• Prefer well-structured learning environment with much positive feedback.
• Enjoy the social aspects of learning.
• Are more likely to be females.

Field independent students will prefer situations that allow them freedom in working toward their goals and solving problems. These learners like to work individually.

Students who are field dependent may prefer group projects and need more assistance from the instructor. One way to help these students is to make sure that any diagrams and illustrations used as visual aids contain verbal information explaining them. In computer-based learning, software that enables the learner to flip and rotate the image, or slides showing different views of the same image, can be helpful.

Consider combining both types of learners in virtual teams so that they can compensate for each other's strengths and weaknesses.

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