Kenttäriippuvainen

Kenttäriippuvainen is a Finnish term that translates to "field-dependent" in English. It refers to a cognitive style where individuals tend to perceive their environment as a whole and are strongly influenced by the context in which information is presented. People who are field-dependent have difficulty separating an object or event from its surrounding field. This means their perception is more global and less analytical.

This cognitive style was identified and researched extensively by psychologists Herman Witkin and his colleagues. They developed tests, such as the Rod and Frame Test, to assess field dependence and independence. In this test, participants are asked to adjust a rod to a vertical position within a tilted frame. Field-dependent individuals are more likely to be influenced by the tilted frame and perceive the rod as being tilted, even when it is actually vertical.

Field-dependent individuals often prefer collaborative learning environments and social interaction. They tend to be more attuned to social cues and relationships. In contrast, field-independent individuals are better at distinguishing elements from their context and tend to be more analytical and self-reliant. Both styles are considered normal variations in cognitive processing and are not indicative of superiority or inferiority. The preference for one style over the other can be influenced by cultural factors, upbringing, and educational experiences.