Cognitive and temperament al predictors of field dependence-independence

Hanna Bednarek , Jarosław Orzechowski

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to define structures of connections between the temperamental and cognitive factors as predictors of field dependence-independence. It was assumed that both the structure of temperament traits and cognitive mechanisms manifest themselves in tasks used for measuring cognitive styles. 108 participants (77 women, aged 21 +/- 2.6) took part in the experiment. Embedded Figure Test (EFT) was used as a measure of field dependence-independence; Formal of Characteristics of Behaviour Temperament Inventory /FCB-TI/ for temperament structure, and three computerized tasks as indicators of wide spectrum of attention and working memory functioning. Three hypothetical models in path analysis were verified. The best fit of the results obtained is provided by the model comprising two groups of factors: (1) two energetic temperamental factors: endurance and emotional reactivity, and (2) two cognitive factors: efficiency of selective attention (resistance to distraction) and efficiency of visual-spatial sketch pad. The data was discussed from temperamental, cognitive and developmental perspectives.