Problem-Solving Tests

Abstract

The Problem-Solving Tests, developed by Merrifield, Guilford, Christensen, and Frick in 1962, were designed to assess various intellectual factors underlying problem-solving abilities. The instrument measures both semantic and verbal problem-solving skills, utilizing both completion-type and multiple-choice response formats. The test battery involved twelve novel tests, complemented by three additional tests focused on success criteria and eighteen pre-existing marker tests used to identify previously established factors.

Initial studies conducted on samples of Naval Air Cadets and Aviation Officer Candidates successfully identified ten known intellectual factors and isolated one previously unknown factor related to problem-solving performance, contributing significantly to the understanding of cognitive dimensions relevant to specialized military selection.

Keywords

Problem-Solving Tests, Intelligence Tests, Test Development, Intellectual Factors, Semantic Problem-Solving, Military Personnel Assessment, Psychometrics, Factor Analysis.

Authors

P. R. Merrifield, J. P. Guilford, P. R. Christensen, J. W. Frick

Purpose

The primary purpose of the Problem-Solving Tests was to systematically evaluate diverse problem-solving abilities by isolating and measuring specific underlying intellectual factors. This research aimed to contribute to the understanding of how various dimensions of intellect, particularly those defined by models like Guilford’s Structure of Intellect, contribute to effective problem resolution.

The secondary goal involved the rigorous development and validation of new test instruments capable of differentiating between high-performing and low-performing candidates in specialized military contexts, specifically for the selection of Naval Air Cadets and Aviation Officer Candidates.

Construct

The central construct measured is Problem Solving, specifically viewed through the lens of intellectual factor theory (Merrifield et al., 1962). The tests operationalize problem-solving as a function of discrete mental abilities, emphasizing both verbal comprehension and semantic manipulation required to process and resolve complex tasks.

The scale’s design is deeply rooted in the psychometric tradition of identifying distinct intellectual components, suggesting that problem-solving is not a monolithic skill but rather a composite outcome of several measurable cognitive factors.

Validity

Specific quantitative data regarding the validity of the Problem-Solving Tests, such as correlation coefficients for criterion validity or detailed construct validity analysis, are not available in the primary source documentation provided. While the study was inherently designed to identify factors related to success, explicit reports on traditional validity metrics were not summarized.

Reliability

Specific quantitative data regarding the reliability of the Problem-Solving Tests (e.g., internal consistency measures like Cronbach’s alpha, or test-retest stability) are currently unavailable. Researchers seeking to utilize or adapt the instrument would need to conduct independent psychometric studies to establish the necessary reliability metrics for their specific population and application.

Factor Analysis

The underlying structure of the tests was explored through extensive factor analysis, which constituted a core methodology of the original 1962 study. This statistical procedure was crucial for determining the dimensional structure of the abilities being measured. The study utilized eighteen established marker tests alongside the new instruments to anchor the analysis against known intellectual factors.

The results of the factor analysis successfully identified ten previously established intellectual factors within the test battery. Crucially, the analysis also isolated one new, distinct factor related to problem-solving performance, suggesting a novel dimension of cognitive ability relevant to the selection criteria of the military candidate population.

Instrument

Test Type: Test (Classification: Intelligence; Military Personnel, Adjustment, and Training)

Format: Completion-type and multiple-choice response formats

Language Available: English (Implied)

Population Group: Human; Male; Female

Age Group: Adulthood (18 years & older)

Population Details: Sample: Naval Air Cadets and Aviation Officer Candidates; Location: United States

Test Methodology: Paper-based administration. The battery consists of twelve newly developed tests, three tests for success criteria evaluation, and eighteen reference marker tests designed to identify established intellectual factors.

Keywords

Intelligence Measures, Problem Solving, Test Construction, Aviation Officer Candidates, Psychometrics, Factor Analysis, Success Criteria, Semantic Abilities.

Authors

Author ORCID Identifier: Not provided.

Affiliation Email addresses: Not provided.

Correspondence Address: Not provided.

Permissions & Fee and Test Year

The test was developed and documented in 1962. Test items are generally not available publicly; the source material explicitly advises contacting the publisher for access to the test items and associated permissions or fees.

The original research study was published by Merrifield, Guilford, Christensen, and Frick in Psychological Monographs: General and Applied.

Reference’s

Merrifield, P. R., Guilford, J. P., Christensen, P. R., & Frick, J. W. (1962). The role of intellectual factors in problem solving. Psychological Monographs: General and Applied, 76(10), 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0093850

Items of the Problem-Solving Tests

IMPORTANT: The following scale items must be preserved in their original language and must not be changed in any way.

Test items are currently unavailable. The source material states: “No; contact the publisher for access to test items.”