Relationship between perceptual style and responses to visual motion under active and passive viewing conditions

Abstract

Selected 20 extreme field-dependent and 20 extreme field-independent male college students based on rod-and-frame test scores. Ss viewed an 8-min segment of film showing high-speed automobile travel. Half watched the film passively, and half watched while actively initiating leg movements in response to the car's expected turning direction. Skin conductance level was monitored from 2 nonpalmar sites, and the Ss reported the extent to which specific sensations were experienced. It was found that in the passive viewing condition field-independent Ss showed greater increases in skin conductance levels than field-dependent Ss, but in the active viewing condition both types of individuals showed similar increases. Electrodermal activity change was associated with reported sensations of general discomfort and illusory motion. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)