The nature of the cognitive style of field articulation and its relationship to differentiation of personality are discussed. A short historical summary of research on field dependence-independence is presented, and problems of measurement, stability, and evolution of the dimension of field articulation are discussed. The connections between field articulation and various physiological manifestations as well as other cognitive and noncognitive aspects of personality are examined, and the hypotheses relative to the origin of individual differences are considered. The most frequently used indicators of field articulation are the Rod and Frame Test and the Embedded Figures Test. Field articulation and the cognitive functions of perception, learning and memory, and problem solving are covered. A discussion of the origin of individual differences within the area of field independence/dependence considers heredity and socialization in interindividual differences, sexual differences, and cross-cultural studies. It is concluded that under Witkin's influence, numerous correspondences between individual differences in the perceptual domain and in contiguous personality sectors (e.g., cognitive function, social behavior, defense mechanisms) have been established. A bibliography is included. (SW)