Abstract
The relationship between hypothetical problem solving and actual appraisal of problem solving was investigated. The actual problem-solving appraisal was measured by the Problem Solving Inventory of Heppner and Petersen. Scores on this instrument were correlated with scores on the Coping Strategies Inventory which utilizes a hypothetical situation, and was developed by Tobin, Holroyd and Reynolds in 1982. Significant relationships (rs of .27 to —.54) hold between how people respond to real life situations and to hypothetical ones. Also significant reliability estimates (.72 to .90) for the Problem Solving Inventory were obtained. The inventory seems to relate most to measures of perceived flexibility in problem solving and goal-oriented strategies. The investigation has implications for research on appraisal of problem solving.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.