Field Independence and Spatial Ability in the Search for the Presence and Absence of Features

Abstract

The present study examined whether search times for the presence and absence of features are moderated by the ability to perceive parts of the visual field separate from their background (field dependence/ independence) and spatial ability. Participants were administered the WAIS and the GEFT and divided into field dependent and independent groups. They then searched displays for targets with and without a specific feature. It was expected that field independent individuals would have faster search times for targets that lacked a feature because of more efficient serial processing mechanisms. Although there was a trend for faster response times to feature absent targets among field independent individuals, it was not significant. Instead, spatial ability was significantly correlated with feature absent search times. These findings suggest that the WAIS may be a useful selection instrument for jobs that require serial visual processing.