Parental identification, acceptance of authority, and within-sex differences in cognitive behavior.

Male and female college students were compared in regard to their cognitive behavior (Witkin's Embedded Figure Test [see 28: 8566]), and this related to parental identification and acceptance of authority. It was hypothesized that Ss who identify with fathers would also be more field-dependent and demonstrate a low degree of acceptance of authority. The groups were not differentiated on the above characteristics as regards their sex; more women than men in this sample identified with father and vice versa. Acceptance of authority and field-dependence/independence were significantly correlated. The hypotheses were only partially supported. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)