An Exploratory Study of Individual Differences in Perceptual Centering and Decentering

Abstract

Perceptual centering and decentering, or internal versus external locus of perception, was studied as a function of individual differences in cognitive style, locus of control, and approval motivation (defensiveness?), with adolescent male Ss. Locus of perception was operationalized as the S's responses to discrete tactile stimulation using a new technique to infer an internal versus external orientation. Locus of perception as measured was found to be a significant function of all three individual difference variables [multiple correlation R = .70 (p < .05)]. Implications for theoretical analyses of processes of centering and decentering were suggested.