The Relation Between Field Dependency, Visual Search and Structure of Displays

Abstract

The relation between field dependency and visual search was investigated [using 18 people] on displays which differed in terms of the organization of the background elements or structure. Statistically determined displays which differed in the transition probability (Pt) of the elements from the state element present to element absent were used. A significant correlation between field dependency was found on displays of Pt = 0.25 where the elements were clumped, but not on either a regular (Pt = 1) or a random (Pt = 0.5) display. A significant effect of transition probability on search times was found. The practical implications of these results were discussed.