Two studies related to creativity are reported and discussed. The first examined possible relationships between problem solving, divergent thinking, and field dependence-independence in second-grade students (N=83). The second study determined that the analytical skills of 71 undergraduate students (measured by the Hidden Figures Test) may be…

Discusses the cognitive behavior of young children as it applies to the concept of cognitive styles. Encompasses the field-dependence-independence dimension of cognitive style theory and the intellectual aspects and modifiability of cognitive style. (RJC)

One group of Illinois secondary agriculture students was taught using a problem-solving approach (PSA), the other with a subject-matter approach (SMA). A problem-solving posttest and Group Embedded Figures Test showed significantly higher problem-solving ability in the PSA group. Field independent learners in the PSA group significantly increased…

Research on the nature of gifted children's learning is reviewed. Studies are cited on the following topics: cognitive style (learning style preferences, field independence/dependence, locus of control, and hemispheric specialization), cognitive development (differentiated stage development), cognitive strategy selection (components of problem…

Completion of the Group Embedded Figures Test by 237 secondary marketing education students determined that most students, particularly females, had only low to moderate restructuring skills, needed for complex cognitive tasks; and most had career goals congruent with their attitudes and social skills but not their cognitive aptitude for…

High school agriculture students were taught using either a problem-solving (n=60) or subject-matter (n=52) approach. There were no differences in short- or long-term retention using either method across different learning styles. A moderate correlation was found between field independence and higher normal curve equivalent scores. (SK)

A study of the cognitive style characteristics of marketing education students focused on reasoning and problem solving. Field dependence theory measured particular cognitive styles in secondary school marketing education classrooms and estimated implications for reasoning and problem-solving behavior among currently enrolled students. The study…

This research examined the learning style factor of field dependence/independence and the problem solving strategies of Hmong male refugee students 17 years old and older who were attending or planning to attend post secondary education institutions in Wisconsin and Minnesota. The research was conducted from July 1986 to July 1987 to test two…

According to Group Embedded Figures Test scores for 82 preservice agriculture teachers, 60% were field independent and achieved higher microteaching lab scores and overall methods course grade. Field-independent students were more adapted to teaching with the problem-solving approach. Teacher educators should consider different learning styles and…

Fifty-five college students participated in a study investigating the effect of field dependence and time limitations on the solution of mathematics word problems and visual interpretation problems. Field-independent (n=25) and field-dependent (n=30) subjects represented the upper and lower thirds on the Hidden Figures Test. Field-independent…

Difficulties facing learning disabled (LD) students in problem solving are reviewed and an approach is proposed to help them make better use of the learning strategies available to them. A cognitive learning style approach to LD students is introduced, followed by an analysis of problem solving and the stages of information processing (attention,…

The study compared the effects of two instructional strategies for teaching the programming language, Logo, on the problem solving skills of third graders. The two strategies are the guided discovery approach, a student-directed learning environment with the teacher as a facilitator, and the direct instruction approach, with specific…

Differences in cognitive and interpersonal characteristics between good problem solvers and good problem posers (inventors) were examined with 35 ninth graders. Good problem posers were more field independent and had a more positive self image than problem solvers. (DB)

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships of certain cognitive variables to problem-solving performance. Cognitive restructuring, spatial ability, reading comprehension, and mathmatical story problems tests presented in a regular verbiage, low verbiage, and drawn formats were given to students in grades three through seven.…

Examined field dependence/independence in the context of other variables for its value in providing a clearer understanding of the problem-solving process. Results from 150 students indicate that field independent students significantly out-performed field dependent students on the six problems administered. (JN)