Processes underlying divergent thinking and problem solving

A battery of problem-solving and divergent-thinking tasks was administered to 91 5th graders from a middle-class background. The purpose was to attempt identification of a factor that could be labeled "problem solving" and be distinct from divergent-thinking factors. In exploratory factor...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of educational psychology 1978-10, Vol.70 (5), p.848-854
Main Authors: Houtz, John C, Speedie, Stuart M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cognitive Development
Divergent Thinking
Human
Problem Solving
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Summary:A battery of problem-solving and divergent-thinking tasks was administered to 91 5th graders from a middle-class background. The purpose was to attempt identification of a factor that could be labeled "problem solving" and be distinct from divergent-thinking factors. In exploratory factor analyses, principal axis, alpha, and maximum-likelihood factor procedures with orthogonal and oblique rotations were computed. The 3-factor solutions across all factor methods and rotations were consistent. In addition to a major ideational fluency factor and a small school achievement factor, a factor consisting of tasks requiring Ss to analyze given problem conditions and sequence steps to achieve a stated goal was identified. This factor accounted for 20-30% of the total variance and was labeled a problem-solving factor. Results are discussed in terms of possible psychological processes underlying divergent thinking and problem solving. (23 ref)
ISSN:0022-0663
1939-2176
DOI:10.1037/0022-0663.70.5.848