The present study examined the relations between field independence and simultaneous processing of preschool children as measured by the Preschool Embedded Figures Test (PEFT) and subtests from the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (K-ABC), respectively. Data partially supported the assumption that field-independent children would perform significantly better on simultaneous processing tasks in general. Significant age and sex differences on field-independence/field-dependence and simultaneous-processing abilities were found among the embedded figures task and selected portions of the K-ABC. Analysis of embedded figures further indicated age differences, but no significant sex differences.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
AyersR.CooleyE.SeversonH. (1988) Educational translation of the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children: a construct validity study. School Psychology Review, 17, 113–124.
2.
BrackenB. (1985) A critical review of the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (K-ABC). School Psychology Review, 24, 21–36.
CrandallV. J.SinkledamC. (1964) Children's dependent and achievement behaviors in social situations and their perceptual field dependence. Journal of Personality, 32, 1–22.
5.
CrossonC. W. (1984) Age and field independence among women. Experimental Aging Research, 10, 165–170.
6.
DasJ. P.KirbyJ. R.JarmanR. F. (1979) Simultaneous and successive cognitive processes. New York: Academic Press.
7.
HydeJ. S.GeiringerE. R.YenW. M. (1975) On the empirical relation between spatial ability and sex differences in other aspects of cognitive performance. Multivariate Behavioral Research, 10, 289–309.
8.
KaufmanA. S.KaufmanN. L. (1983) Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children. Circle Pines, MN: American Guidance Service.
9.
KeithT. (1985) Questioning the K-ABC: what does it measure?School Psychology Review, 24, 9–20.
10.
LuriaA. R. (1966) Higher cortical functions in man. New York: Basic Books.
11.
LuriaA. R. (1970) The functional organization of the brain. Scientific American, 222, 66–78.
12.
SeitzE. (1971) The relationship between cognitive abilities and impulse control in project Headstart children. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, New York Univer.
13.
SternbergR. J. (1984) The Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children: an information-processing analysis and critique. Journal of Special Education, 18, 269–280.
14.
WitkinH. A.GoodenoughD. R. (1977) Field dependence and interpersonal behavior. Psychological Bulletin, 84, 661–689.
15.
WitkinH. A.GoodenoughD. R. (1981) Cognitive styles: essence and origins. New York: International Universities Press.
16.
WitkinH. A.LewisH. B.HertzmanM.MachoverK.MeissnerP. B.WapnerS. (1954) Personality through perception. New York: Harper.
