Field Dependence and Rorschach White-Space Figure-Ground Reversal Responses

Abstract

It was hypothesized that field-independent Ss would produce more white space figure-ground reversal responses (S) on the Rorschach test than field-dependent Ss. From 27 females and 25 males given the rod-and-frame test the 7 most field-independent and the 7 most field-dependent took the Rorschach test. The 7 field-independent Ss produced more white space reversals. A control on the number of reversal responses as a function of time of exposure and a control on sex differences showed no contaminating effect. Thus, both measures may refer to the same dimension.

Validity of Space Responses

“…Findings from studies that investigated the Space responses as two distinct variables supported the hypothesis that primary and secondary Space responses were associated with different psychological processes. In particular, only primary S responses seemed to be associated with oppositionality (Bandura, 1954a;1954b;Carlson and Drehmer, 1984;De Koninck and Crabbe-Decleve, 1971;Stein, 1973).…”