skip to main content skip to footer

Affect Judgment and Field Dependence

Author(s):
Rapaczynski, Wanda; Sadd, Susan; Welkowitz, Joan
Publication Year:
1979
Report Number:
RR-79-05
Source:
ETS Research Report
Document Type:
Report
Page Count:
25
Subject/Key Words:
Affective Behavior, Cognitive Style, Field Dependence Independence, Personality Traits, Psychological Characteristics, Psychotherapy

Abstract

Ten women, 5 low scorers (field dependent) and 5 high scorers (field independent) on the Group Embedded-Figures Test, listened to 24, 15-minute long segments of a series of therapy sessions and were then asked: (a to adopt the role of the patient and rate the warmth felt by the patient toward the therapist, and (b) to adopt the role of therapist and rate the warmth felt by the therapist toward the patient, using a 4-point rating scale. The accuracy of subjects' ratings was evaluated against the criterion of actual ratings made by patient and therapist after each therapy session. As predicted, field dependent subjects were more accurate in judging warmth than field independent subjects. In addition, there was a significant interaction between subject's cognitive style and the person being judged. Field dependent subjects were more accurate in the role of patient than in the role of therapist; the opposite was true for field independent subjects. Suggestions are made as to possible routes used by field dependent and field independent subjects to judge emotions experienced by others. (25pp.)

Read More