Neural signatures underlying cognitive styles of field independence and field dependence: Evidence from resting-state fMRI

Cognitive style refers to the individual differences in the distinct preferences to think, learn, solve problems and to perceive and organize information about the surrounding space. Field dependence/ independence (FDI) is the most widely studied cognitive style and is measured by Group Embedded Figures Test (GEFT) that requires a participant to locate the simple shape embedded in a complex figure. FI subjects are less influenced by the information from the prevailing visual fields and perform better on GEFT as compared to the FD subjects. The cognitive style of an individual has been shown to be related to their cognitive functioning especially spatial memory performance, learning and retrieval of navigational environment, personality characteristic and social behaviour. However, brain-behavior relationship of FDI cognitive styles has been little investigated. The present study aimed to assess the underlying resting state connectivity networks in relation to the FDI cognitive styles measured by GEFT.