Open AccessVISUAL ASYMMETRY IN THE PERCEPTION OF FACES AND FIELD INDEPENDENCE
Author(s) -
Oltman Philip K.,
Ehrlichman Howard,
Cox Patricia W.
Publication year - 1976
Publication title -
ets research bulletin series
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2333-8504
pISSN - 0424-6144
DOI - 10.1002/j.2333-8504.1976.tb01099.x
Subject(s) - psychology , lateralization of brain function , perception , visual field , test (biology) , independence (probability theory) , cognitive psychology , audiology , social psychology , neuroscience , statistics , mathematics , medicine , paleontology , biology
In a sample of 28 college males, it was found that the degree of lateral specialization of a right‐hemisphere function, the perception of faces, showed a correlation of .45 ( p < .01) with extent of field‐independent performance, as assessed by a composite score based on the Embedded‐Figures Test, the Rod‐and‐Frame Test, and ratings on the Articulation‐of‐Body‐Concept Scale. In a second study with 16 female and 10 male college subjects using the Group Embedded‐Figures Test, field‐independent subjects again showed greater lateralization of face perception ( r = .43, p < .05). Based on Witkin's view of field independence as a manifestation of psychological differentiation, possible links between extent of differentiation at the psychological and neurophysiological levels are suggested.