Vorobiev Y.Y., Shoshina I.I., Kostromina S.N. The Interaction Between Mechanisms of Global and Local Visual Information Analysis in Individuals with Different Degrees of Field Dependence/Field Independence

The field dependence–independence cognitive style is primarily considered a psychological phenomenon. At the same time, the concept of its quadripolar structure predominates in the literature. Data on the neurophysiological correlates of such a classification are lacking, possibly due to limited attention to this phenomenon from the perspective of neuroscience. Nevertheless, a number of studies indicate an association between field dependence–independence and cortical and subcortical mechanisms underlying perception and information processing, particularly those related to global and local visual analysis.

The aim of the study was to assess the interaction between global and local mechanisms of visual information processing in individuals with different degrees of field dependence and independence.

The study involved 114 participants (32 males, 82 females; mean age = 30 ± 10.1 years). The field dependence–independence cognitive style was assessed using the Gottschaldt Embedded Figures Test, while visual contrast sensitivity was measured by visocontrastometry.

Significant differences in contrast sensitivity within the low spatial frequency range were found between groups characterized by fixed field-dependent, mobile field-dependent, and mobile field-independent cognitive styles. Contrast sensitivity at low spatial frequencies was significantly higher in individuals with a fixed field-dependent cognitive style. At the same time, no significant differences were observed between participants with mobile field-dependent and mobile field-independent cognitive styles. These findings are interpreted as evidence of greater involvement of global processing mechanisms in individuals with a fixed field-dependent cognitive style.

It is demonstrated that the degree of field dependence–independence reflects the characteristics of interactions among large-scale neural networks supporting global and local information processing. The use of visual contrast sensitivity as an objective indicator of the functioning of neurophysiological mechanisms underlying visual perception contributes to a deeper understanding of field dependence as a cognitive and neurophysiological phenomenon.

Key words: cognitive style, field dependence–independence, global processing, local processing, contrast sensitivity, magnocellular system, parvocellular system, dorsal pathway, ventral pathway

For citation: Vorobiev, Y., Shoshina, I., Kostromina, S. (2026). The Interaction Between Mechanisms of Global and Local Visual Information Analysis in Individuals with Different Degrees of Field Dependence/Field Independence. New Psychological Research, No. 2, 101–117. DOI: 10.51217/npsyresearch_2026_06_02_05