PROBLEM-SOLVING WORKSHOP TRAINING

Assessed the effects of intensive problem-solving training on outcomes related to counseling. 50 undergraduates who expressed a need for and willingness to participate in a problem-solving workshop were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: a treatment group, a pre-posttest control group, and a posttest-only control group. Treatment consisted of didactic presentations, group discussions, and directed practice in 5 90-min sessions that were designed for systematic training in 5 stages of problem solving. Dependent variables were generation of alternatives, decision-making skill, and Ss' perceptions of their problem-solving skills as measured by Subtests 2 and 3 of the Problem-Solving Test and the Problem-Solving Inventory. Results indicate that training did influence the quality of response, but training did not increase the number of Ss' alternatives. Ss participating in the workshop also described themselves as using fewer impulsive behaviors during problem solving than nonparticipant controls. No differences were found among groups on their ability to make effective choices from among a set of alternatives. (21 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1979 American Psychological Association.