| 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. |
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