The interviewer is trying to learn about you; you will make his job easier if you describe something positive about yourself in your answer. Don't give a one-word answer, like "yes" or "no." If you loved independent research, you could say, "Yes, it was positive, because I learned [some skill, how to lead a research team, the thrill of discovery, how to draw upon experts to achieve the result], and what I learned will be tremendously valuable in future research." If you hated independent research, you don't want them to hire you to do it, so you could say, "Yes, it was positive, because I learned that my strengths really lie in working within and supporting a team, rather than independently." Or you could say, "I realized that I need to work on more immediate problem-solving rather than the long-term uncertain outcomes of basic research."

"Yes." :P nah. it's asking if you like doing independent research. and they're asking what kind of characteristics you have that would make you enjoy independent research. it's not a very well-worded question.