Repeated Short-Term Sensory Reduction in Mining

Abstract

2 groups of student miners were tested on the Witkin Rod-and-frame Test, twice on the same day, once before a shift and once after a shift underground. Group 1 had worked for 6 mo. underground at the time of testing; they were more field-independent (p = .02) than Group 2, and their scores did not change on re-test. Group 2 had worked a maximum of 2 wk. underground and their scores improved (p = .005) after a shift underground. It was concluded that the environment was effective in producing a change in the test performance of Group 2. The difference between the two groups on a measure of field dependence was interpreted to suggest that shifts toward field independence could, possibly, become stable with repetitions of experiences of sensory reduction.