The Validity of Field-Independence/Field-Dependence in the Acquisition of Process Control Skills

Abstract

A pilot investigation was conducted to investigate the manner in which field- independents (Fis) and field-dependents (Fds) use information to solve process-control tasks. Participants were university students aged 18-30 at undergraduate and postgraduate level. All tasks set were defined in terms of the goal-response distances of a process control plant. The methodology included a training task as well as small and large distance tasks with Fis and Fds placed in two conditions of either information given with the first task or no information. The results indicated that Fis could use information efficiently and transfer knowledge. Findings imply that in real life settings, operators need to be selected according to their style, i.e. Fi/Fd, which is predetermined before selection. Suitable feedback and learning sessions from experienced trainers is required to master tasks. Further, it would help the construction of intelligent tutoring systems if a larger sample size was used.