Obesity as a Variable Affecting Performance on the Rod and Frame Test

Abstract

Apparent similarities between S. Schachter's stimulus binding construct and H. A. Witkin's construct of psychological differentiation, specifically field dependence, have been noted in the literature. The present study examined field dependence on the rod-and-frame test among 20 obese and 42 average-weight subjects. Obese subjects were more field-dependent than were average-weight subjects. Women were slightly more field-dependent than were men. The author concluded that obese persons are more field-dependent and speculated that the constructs may be describing similar phenomena.