The current review is concerned with an information processing model used in science education. The purpose is to summarise the current theoretical understanding, in published research, of a number of factors that are known to influence learning and achievement. These include field independence, working memory, long-term memory, and the use of…

Rod-and-frame test data of undergraduates were subjected to pattern analysis, which showed that most tilt toward the spatial position of the frame, while some utilize two frame cues, i.e., the nearest to vertical side and corner of the frame. Other interpretations of performance were not supported by results. (Author/RD)

A general method for identifying the separate components of the Rod-and-Frame Test consists of correlating theoretical patterns of scores with obtained test scores of single subjects. The correlation test calculates probability values from the test data. In this way, fit can be determined between theoretical pattern and test scores. (Author/BW)

Adults took the Rod and Frame, Portable Rod and Frame, and Embedded Figures Tests. Absolute and algebraic frame-effect scores were more reliable and valid than rod-effect algebraic scores. Correlations with the Embedded Figures Test were so low that the interchangeability of these field articulation measures is questionable. (Author/RD)

The relationship between field independence, intelligence, and social class was investigated in a group of 150 kindergarten, second, and third grade children. The effect of social class upon field independence was also studied after controlling for intelligence. The Portable Rod and Frame Test was administered ten times using instructions…

The most consistently used scoring system for the rod-and-frame task has been the total number of degrees in error from the true vertical. Since a logical case can be made for at least four alternative scoring systems, a thorough comparison of all five systems was performed. (Author/CTM)

The psychometric utility of six experimental cognitive style (CS) measures was analyzed. Examinees were 1,135 clients of the Johnson O'Connor Research Foundation who, during 1985, completed at least one of the six CS tests. Information is provided on measure reliability; relationships among CS measures; relationships with standard battery aptitude…

Three experiments were performed in which subjects were exposed to two sizes of the Embedded Figures Test (EFT), and subjects in the third experiment were also exposed to two sizes of the Rod and Frame Test (RFT). In the first experiment, where the EFT had a size differential of 1 to 4, a nonsignificant size effect and a significant rank…

Cognitive styles characterize individuals' personalities as well as their social and cognitive functioning. An assessment of cognitive style can present another dimension of individual differences in children as the basis for planning and evaluating early childhood programs. (Author/LC)

Right-handed sixth graders were administered the WISC Block Design and verbal and nonverbal versions of the Rod-and-Frame Test (RFT), measuring field dependence/independence. Results seemed to reflect a right hemisphere processing for the nonverbal RFT and a possible sex bias against girls in its traditional verbal administration. (Author/SJL)

Three measures of field dependence were used to determine whether: (1) Mexican American students are more field dependent than Anglo Americans; (2) intercorrelations between the tests are significant and comparable for both cultures; and (3) field dependence significantly affects academic performance. These assumptions were generally not…

It has been suggested that cognitive style interacts with performance on tasks measuring formal thought. It is hypothesized that cognitive style interacts with task context rather than with the underlying formal thought processes. Experiments are reported to clarify the type of task that elicits an interaction and to determine whether such…

This study examined the construct validity of the Rod and Frame Test (RFT). Subjects were 554 clients (269 males and 285 females) (aged 14 to 65 years) of the Johnson O'Connor Research Foundation (JOCRF), a vocational guidance service. In a battery of diverse ability and style tests (19 tests of the JOCRF battery and 4 tests of cognitive style),…

This study was designed to examine the effects of age and sex on susceptibility to field dependence training and to determine whether the field dependence phenomenon is a function of cognitive style or of a general inability to make correct judgments because of confusing and inaccurate information. (MS)