Effect of inversion-induced conflict on field dependence.

Verbal reports of loss of control and surrender to powerful visual changes, experienced during inversion of the visual world, seemed to be suggestive of changes in field dependence. Field dependence (rod-and-frame test vertical) was tested under conditions of inversion and noninversion. Significantly greater field dependence was observed for subjects exposed to complete inversion rotation of the rod-and-frame configuration in the experimental period than for subjects exposed to rotation without inversion, partial rod-and-frame inversion rotation, or inversion rotation without a frame. The change in field dependence was not significantly affected by 10 minutes of active experience with inversion, and no significant aftereffects were observed. The results are interpreted in terms of the effect of conflict on perceptual-cognitive decentering. Implications for perceptual adaptation and personality theory are discussed. One of the immediate experimental effects of inverting the visual field is a sense of loss of control over what is being seen. The experienced synchrony between self-movement and the perceived constancy of the visual world is altered, and the subject often has strong emotional reactions to such changes (Blatt, Quinlan, & D'Afflitti, 1972; Cegalis, 1971). Kohler (1964) aptly described this dramatic experience: the subject with a pair of reversing spectacles becomes frightened by the activities of his own hands and feet and looks on them as "natural phenomena," being helplessly delivered into their power... [p. 138]. Neilson (1963) reported similar reactions when his subjects viewed the unpredictable movement of a gloved phantom hand they thought to be their own. Neilson's subjects variously attributed the experience to internal (fatigue or inattention) or external causes (unidentified forces).