Field Independent and Field Dependent Students Thinking Process in Solving Polyhedron Problems Based on Information Processing Theory

<ns5:p> Background When students face a problem, they are required to think in order to find a solution. However, students’ problem-solving thinking process often receive insufficient attention, which negatively affects learning outcomes. This study aims to analyze and describe the thinking process of field independent and field dependent students in solving polyhedron problems based on information processing theory. Methods This study used a qualitative exploratory descriptive approach. The research subjects were selected by administering the Group Embedded Figure Test and Problem-solving Test about polyhedron. The results identified 11 field independent students and 11 field dependent students. From these groups, two students were selected by random sampling considering their ability to think when solving test questions and strong communication: one field-independent student (C <ns5:sub>B</ns5:sub> ) and one field-dependent student (C <ns5:sub>L</ns5:sub> ). Results This study identified two thinking processes in solving polyhedron problems based on information processing theory: locality and globality. Field independent subject (C <ns5:sub>B</ns5:sub> ) demonstrated locality through attention (writing known and asked information), perception (using triangle area, rectangle area, and the Pythagorean theorem), rehearsal (rewriting information), retrieval from long-term memory in separate parts with identified relationships, and complete encoding with clear steps and conclusions. Field dependent subject (C <ns5:sub>L</ns5:sub> ) showed globality, with incomplete attention, but correct explanations after interviews, similar perception, retrieval from short-term memory as a whole without identifying relationships and incomplete encoding without clear steps or conclusions. Conclusions The findings reveal two distinct categories of thinking processes. First, the field independent subject demonstrated a locality process, in which information is retrieved from long-term memory in separate parts and relationships among these parts are identified. Second, the field dependent subject exhibited a globality process, in which information is retrieved as a comprehensive whole, making it difficult to identify relationships among individual components. </ns5:p>