Social Behavior of Field Independents and Dependents in an Organic Group

Abstract

This study hypothesized that the social behavioral of field independent-dependent (Witkin, 1978) subjects in a noncontrived organic group will differ along the task emotionally-expressive dimensions identified by Bales and Cohen (1979). In addition, the study sought to establish discriminant validity for the field independent-cognitive style variable by contrasting it with apparently similar but conceptually different variables, i.e., dogmatism and sociability. Behaviors of field independents and dependents were observed over 25 1 ½-hr sessions, spread over a 4-month period. Social behaviors of participants were rated by both participating and nonparticipating observers at the middle and at the end of sessions by Bales' Interpersonal Rating Forms. Field independence and dependence was found not related to dogmatism or sociability. As hypothesized, field dependents behaved in a responsive, task-oriented, problem-solving mode while field independents behaved in a social-emotional rebellious and resistant mode in the present organic group. It was concluded that field independents show discomfort in the organic group by withdrawing from and rebelling against the task and its leadership. Field dependents accept and are supportive of the socially open-ended task of the organic group and its leadership.