Validity and Reliability of the Problem Solving Inventory (PSI) in a Nationwide Sample of Greek Educators

Abstract

The Problem Solving Inventory (PSI) is designed to measure adults' perceptions of problem-solving ability. The presented study aimed to translate it and assess its reliability and validity in a nationwide sample of 3668 Greek educators. In order to evaluate internal consistency reliability, Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used. The scale's construct validity was examined by a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and by investigating its correlation with the Internality, Powerful others and Chance Multidimensional Locus of Control Scale (IPC LOC Scale), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) and demographic information. Internal consistency reliability was satisfactory with Cronbach's alphas ranging from 0.79 to 0.91 for all PSI scales. CFA confirmed that the bi-level model fitted the data well. The root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA), the comparative fit index (CFI) and the goodness of fit index (GFI) values were 0.030, 0.97 and 0.96, respectively, further confirming the bi-level model and the three-factors construct of the PSI. Intercorrelations and correlation coefficients between the PSI, the IPC LOC Scale and the RSES were significant. Age, sex, and working experience differences were found. In conclusion, the Greek version of the PSI was found to have satisfactory psychometric properties and therefore, it can be used to evaluate Greek teachers' perceptions of their problem-solving skills.

Characterizing a Sample of Chinese Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Selected Health Outcomes

“…This is not surprising, since Chinese women often assume important family roles in taking care of others and are largely the ones who provide social support for their family members. Problem solving was identified to be better for males than females among educators in Europe and patients with T2DM in the United States 15,45 ; results from the current study corroborate findings of previous research. Evidence showed that women demonstrate more depressive symptoms than do men among patients with T2DM in the United States and Europe.…”

“…These findings were consistent with those from previous studies among people from different countries. 15,19,20,45 No significant gender differences were observed for self-management, glycemic control, and incidence of MetS. A recent review identified a gap in knowledge about gender differences in health literacy among patients with T2DM 46 ; therefore, findings from this study add to the evidence on health literacy.…”

Do Emotions Matter? The Relationship Between Math Anxiety, Trait Anxiety, and Problem Solving Ability

“…Table 1 provides means and standard deviations for each measure used in this study and it also reports correlations between the observed variables. The level of all three main variables as well as their variances showed to be very similar compared to the values reported in previous studies (e.g., Paechter et al, 2017; Heppner et al, 2002;Kourmousi, Xythali, Theologitou, & Koutras, 2016;Yeo, 2005;Peng, 2014), suggesting that, in general, our research sample exhibited normal and average values in math anxiety, trait anxiety and also perceived problem solving ability. In order to interpret the level of perceived problem solving ability, trait anxiety, and math anxiety of the research sample, it is helpful to analyze mean scores of variables.…”

“…The mean score and variability of trait anxiety differed negligibly, compared to studies of Paechter et al (2017), Heppner et al (2002 and Yeo (2005). We also did not find any significant differences in mean scores and variability of perceived problem solv-ing and math anxiety, compared to previous studies (Kourmousi, Xythali, Theologitou, & Koutras, 2016;Heppner et al, 2002;Yeo, 2005;Peng, 2014;Novak & Tassel, 2017).…”

Exploring Factors That Influence Computational Thinking Skills in Elementary Students’ Collaborative Robotics

“…Problem Solving Inventory. The Problem-Solving Inventory (PSI) in the study of Kourmousi et al (2016) was adopted to measure perceptions of one's problemsolving ability, as well as behaviors and attitudes associated with problemsolving styles. It yields three underlying dimensions, Problem-Solving Confidence, Approach-Avoidance Style, and Personal Control.…”