Field-dependence-independence and competitive behavior in the prisoner's dilemma game situation.

Abstract

The present study investigated the relationship between competitive behaviour in a conflict situation and field-dependence-independence. It was hypothesized that individuals who scored toward the field-independent end of the FI-FD continuum would tend to be competitive whereas individuals who scored toward the field-dependent end would tend to be less competitive. The matching of individuals according to cognitive style was also considered. It was predicted that a FI-FI match would result in a greater number of competitive responses than a FD-FD match. The third hypothesis predicted that a FI-FD match would result in more competitive than cooperative responses being made. The research sample included individuals over nineteen years of age drawn from a variety of academic and occupational backgrounds. Eighty-four individuals participated (forty-four females and forty males). They were classified as either field-dependent or field-independent based on the Hidden Figures Test V and assigned to one of the three matched conditions. They then played the Prisoner's Dilemma game; the experimental conflict situation. T-tests were calculated comparing the mean number of competitive responses. The level of significance was set at (p < .05). Statistical significance was obtained for each hypothesis. These results indicated that there is a relationship between the degree of psychological differentation of an individual and his behaviour in a two-person conflict situation.