title: The "Rod and Fran Test": relationship priming influences cognitive-perceptual performance.
abstract: We theorized that interpersonal relationships can provide structures for experience. In particular, we tested whether primes of same-sex versus mixed-sex relationships could foster cognitive-perceptual processing styles known to be associated with independence versus interdependence respectively. Seventy-two participants visualized either a same-sex or other-sex relationship partner and then performed two measures of cognitive-perceptual style. On a computerized Rod and Frame Test, individuals were more field-dependent after visualizing a mixed-sex versus same-sex relationship partner. On a measure involving perceptions of group behavior, participants demonstrated more holistic/contextually based perception after being primed with a female versus male relationship partner. These findings support the hypothesis that activated cognitive structures representing interpersonal relationships can shape individuals' cognitive-perceptual performance.
authors.affiliation: a McGill University.
authors.forename: Mark W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Baldwin
authors.forename: Jeff
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bagust
authors.forename: Sharon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Docherty
authors.forename: Alexander S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Browman
authors.forename: Joshua C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Jackson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D012737:Sex Factors; D012938:Social Perception; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Rod and Frame Test; field dependence; relationship priming; social cognition