The field dependence theory of cognitive styles was first proposed by Hermann Witkin and his colleagues in 1962. According to Witkinıs theory, people who are field dependent rely on external cues, or visual framework, in the perception of the upright. Conversely, people who rely on internal cues, such as body orientation and gravitational pull are considered field independent. Witkin, et.al. implemented three different tests designed to separate internal from external, the Rod and Frame Test (RFT), the Body-Adjustment Test (BAT) and the Rotating Room Test (RRT). The separation was accomplished in the RFT and the BAT by tilting the visual framework, and leaving the gravitational pull on the body unaltered. The separation was accomplished, in the RRT, by altering the direction of the force on the body, while the visual framework remained upright.

There are many correlates to field dependence-independence. Some of these correlates include: cognitive restructuring abilities; more specifically, perceptual constancy, and speed of closure, etc., spacial restructuring dimensions, social behavior; autonomy in interpersonal relations, interpersonal competencies, and social anxiety.

An extensive body of research on interpersonal behavior has shown that people who are field independent in perception of the upright function more autonomously of others than do field dependent people. The tendencies to rely primarily on internal or external referents that individuals show in perception of the upright thus appear to have a direct counterpart in their behavior in the interpersonal domain. People who are field independent tend to be more autonomous; and show initiative, responsibility-taking, self-reliance, and the ability to think for themselves. Field dependent people pay more selective attention to social cures, they favor situations that bring them in contact with others, they seek physical closeness and have the ability to get along with others.

Some other characteristics to describe people who are field independent are: secure, independent, controlled, demanding, inconsiderate, manipulating others as a means of achieving personal ends, cold and distant in relations with others. Some other characteristics to describe people who are field dependent are: tense, insecure, passive, warm, affectionate, tactful, accommodating, nonevaluative and accepting of others. Field dependent people have a high degree of social skills in contrast with those people who are field independent, but also show a higher degree of social anxiety when dealing with people in different social situations. Field dependent people, in comparison to field independent people, feel less relaxed in social situations, less capable of walking up to a stranger to engage in conversation, and uncomfortable around people they do not know well.

Witkin, H.A., & Goodenough, D.R. (1981). Cognitive Styles:Essence and Origins. New York: International Universities Press, Inc..