Test Number 68 Title The Problem Solving Inventory Author Heppner, P. P. Category Self-Report Inventory Copyright Date 1988 Availability Contact publisher Restrictions Must have course in tests/measurement to purchase Age/Grade Level Age 16-adult Cost Preview kit $42; 25 Item Booklets $30.30; Scoring Key $12.30. Forms   Source Consulting Psychologist Press, Inc. Address   Phone 800-624-1765 Fax   web or e-mail   Definition Problem solving is “considered synonymous with coping.” Purposes Designed “to assess an individual’s perceptions of his or her own problem-solving behaviors and attitudes.: Characteristics Openness and Courage to Explore Ideas Listening to One's Inner Voice Manual Good The manual discusses the target populations, validity and reliability evidence, directions for administration and scoring, definitions and purposes, and normative data. Normative data is not extensive. Validity Fair There is a high correlation with perceived locus of control. Concurrent validity is demonstrated by significant correlation of scores with self-rated evaluation of problem-solving skills and satisfaction with those skills. A larger sample is needed. Reliability Good Stability was .83-.89 after 2 weeks, .77-.81 after 3 weeks, .44 to .65 after 2 years. Internal consistency was .72-.91 for 3 scales and total scores. These correlations are promising but a larger sample is needed. Utility Good This measure is administered by trained professionals to groups or individuals in about 10 to 15 minutes. The directions are clear. There are 35 statements, including 3 research items. For each statement the subject uses a 6 point scale to rate the degree of agreement. Fifteen items are negatively worded requiring reverse scoring. Scores are the total of all responses. Interpretation Good Norms were established with university students. Four scores are provided: problem solving confidence; approach/avoidance style; personal control; total. Scores are not strongly related to measures of creativity or personality type. High scores may indicate adjustment problems. Low scores represent positive appraisal of problem solving ability. Propriety Poor Not addressed Reviews & Related Lit MMY #11, 1992: The strength of the measure needs to be demonstrated with larger and more diverse samples. It needs more normative data for general use. It has promise for research, counseling and other applied settings. CCL Home Page    Copyright © 2002 Center For Creative Learning, Inc.    Back to Index    Next Test