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Abstract

Two studies were conducted to examine racial variations in the perceptual dimension of cognitive style. In Study 1, 36 students, equally divided by race and sex, were given the Witkin Group Embedded Figures Test. Neither race nor sex differences were evident. In Study 2, 23 Afro-American and 17 Euro-American students were recruited. In addition to the Embedded Figures Test, the subjects were given a modified Kohs Block Design Test and the WAIS Picture Completion subtest. Comparison of group means shows a significant racial group difference on embedded figures but the difference between the means on the Block Design seemed to occur by chance. When the incongruity between the two studies was analyzed, some possible developmental factors emerged. This possibility and its genesis are discussed.

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Racial Variation in Perceptual Differentiation

Abstract

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References