The Development of Conceptually Independent Subscales in the Measurement of Modes of Problem Solving

Abstract

A number of researchers have provided phenomenological characterization of the logical and intuitive modes of problem solving. In an effort to delve into more detailed analyses of the formal criteria for distinguishing between logical and intuitive modes of problem solving, this paper reports the development of independent subscales for measurement of each of these two modes. Preliminary results from a sample of 535 respondents suggest two factorially independent subscales. These were interpreted as describing quite accurately the two postulated classifications as advanced above. Findings suggest the subscales warrant additional examination in other samples and settings. Practical implications are discussed, including those for researching the area of person-job fit/misfit.