This paper reviews and summarizes selected findings concerning two hypotheses about perceptual abilities; field dependence-independence and the Carpenter Theory. The conclusion of the paper discusses the implications and applications of these research findings to the pedagogy for Asian American students. The review indicates that different ethnic groups have different perceptual abilities. However, attempts to find the causes of these differences have produced different and at times conflicting results. Very few of the studies cited were conducted with Asians, and none has investigated the perceptual abilities of Asians in the U.S. While all the studies indicated that Mexican Americans possess a field dependent cognitive style, there is no evidence that Asian Americans are more field dependent than Anglo Americans. In fact, Chinese Americans and Japanese Americans have been shown to be about equal to or to surpass Anglos on mathematics and reasoning abilities. Studies have shown that Asian Americans possess distinct mental ability profiles which are different from those of other non Asian ethnic groups. Future research studies should be directed towards the identification of the unique cognitive ability profiles of Asian Americans and these findings should be applied to the development of pedagogic approaches which are relevant to Asian Americans. (Author/AM)