Field dependence/independence (FD/FI) is a significant dimension of cognitive styles. The paper presents results of a study that seeks to identify individuals' level of field independence during visual stimulus tasks processing. Specifically, it examined the relationship between the Hidden Figure Test (HFT) scores and the eye tracking metrics. Moreover, it explored whether differences exist among the cognitive groups, in terms of the time taken to complete the given tasks. A sample of 16 PhD students recruited from a Public University in Cyprus was classified into Field-Dependent, Field-Independent and Field-Neutral learners. Data were collected and analysed through the use of eye tracking and SPSS statistics. Results revealed a statistical significant correlation between the scores retrieved from the HFT and the Eye tracker. Additionally, the FD and the FI groups differ with respect to the tasks time completion. The findings revealed the potential of eye tracking to be used as a tool in assessing users' cognitive traits. Finally, the vision of further agenda and some practical implications for instructional designers and educators are addressed.

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This eye tracking study investigated the association between individuals' field dependence -independence cognitive style and level of creative thinking based on users' eye movement behaviour while interacting with a set of visual perceptual tasks. Subjects FD-I cognitive style and creativity were measured with the use of the Hidden Figures Test (HFT) and Torrance Test of Creative Thinking (TTCT). The psychometric methods and the eye trackingderived data were statistically examined demonstrating a relationship between users' cognitive style, creativity attributes and eye gaze behaviour. This research study adds further to the evidence and theory base of Human-computer interaction for applications in the user-centred design and suggests future directions for research.

Nowadays, there is an increase of studies that examine individuals' cognitive characteristics in correlation to visual perception. The present study investigated the association between cognitive abilities and Web page complexity. Specifically, differences within simple, medium and complex Web pages were observed among the field dependent, independent and mixed cognitive groups via a task completion time with the use of the eye tracking technology. The results showed that task completion time is significantly different in medium and complex pages between the FD and FI users, while, in the simple pages, no statistical differences appeared. Furthermore, it was supported that users' FD-I cognitive construct style can be identified using innovative techniques like eye tracking studies by analyzing users' scan path and heat maps.

The notion that users' characteristics such as the cognitive ability affect their visual information processing is continuously increasing. This eye tracking user study investigated the association between adults' (N = 54) cognitive style and eye movement (EM) patterns while interacting with a set of visual tasks. Users' cognitive type was measured with the use of the Hidden Figures Test (HFT), which classifies them into field dependent (FD), field neutral (FN) and field independent (FI) individuals. Overall, the psychometric measures and the eye tracking-derived data were statistically examined revealing significant differences and large effect sizes among the two variables tested. Particularly, the findings demonstrated that the field dependence group exemplifies a more disoriented and disorganized EM activity. Hence, greater numbers of fixations and saccades are generated, contrary to the FN or FI users'. This research study adds further to the evidence and theory base of human-computer interaction for applications in the user-centred design by identifying how users' differences in cognitive style can be manifested in eye gaze patterns. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS • Field dependence-independence (FD-I) cognitive style affects eye movement (EM) behaviour. • EM behaviour differs significantly between different cognitive groups. • Field dependence (FD) group produces a disoriented EM activity. • FD group generates the greatest numbers of fixations and saccades. • FD-I style can be used as a prospective component of user-centred design.