Individual differences in field independence influence the ability to determine accurate needle angles

The correlation between "field independence"--i.e., the ability to ignore distracting visual stimuli--and surgical skills was examined in this simulator model.  Resident participants, after undergoing field dependence testing, were asked to place curved needles in a mitral valve model at 10 premarked sites.  The residents were assessed  on their ability to load the needle on the driver at the appropriate angle.  The accuracy of needle loading correlated significantly with the relative field independence of the residents.  

Questions:

1.  If this methodology is validated in a larger study, would it prove useful in resident training?  

2.  How about as a factor in resident selection?