Field Independence and Myers-Briggs Thinking Individuals

Abstract

The correlations between field independence-dependence and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator scales extraversion-introversion and thinking-feeling were assessed. Evans ( 1 ) , using the extraversion scale of the Maudsley Personality Inventory, found field dependence significantly correlated with extraversion while Feather (2) supported this result for women but not for men. Witkin and Goodenough (6) have characterized field-independent individuals as having an impersonal orientation, and Myers (5) has characterized thinking individuals as preferring to make impersonal decisions; this comparison leads to the current hypothesis of a relationship between field independence and thinking. The Hidden Figures Test (6) was the measure of field independence and the Myers-Briggs scales were the measures of extraversion and thinking. Both instrumenu were administered to 42 college undergraduates in technology (38 males). Parson product-moment correlations were calculated heen field independence and all four Myers-Briggs scales. The correlation between field dependence (M = 22.76, SD = 6.33) and extraversion (M = 103.36, SD = 24.74) was only .23 showing no significant relationship between field dependence and extraversion. This nonsignificant correlation supports Feather's (2) conclusion for men as well as results reported by Franks (3) for six experimental groups and by Lester (4) for three studies. Correlations berween field dependence and the additional Myers-Btiggs scales of judgment-perception and sensing-intuition were not significant as expected. The correlation between field independence and thinking (M = 83.84, SD = 26.08) was .37 (p < .02), supporting the hypothesis of a relationship between field independence and thinking and hence also between field dependence and feeling.