Abstract
Two studies were performed to evaluate the hypothesis that field dependence and related cognitive abilities do not differ with socioeconomic status. 6 subtests of the WISC (3 verbal and 3 performance) were administered to middle- and lower-class boys, together with a measure of field dependence (Embedded figures) and a measure of sophistication-of-body concept. Two adult male groups (middle and lower class) were given the Embedded-figures test. The hypothesis was substantially supported for both adult and child samples. Only on Block Design, a test which correlates highly with measures of field dependence, did performance differ significantly by social class. The patterning of cognitive abilities was highly similar for middle- and lower-class boys, with Block Design providing the only serious discrepancy.
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