Psychology Commons^™

This study investigates the internal structure and construct validity of Complex Problem Solving (CPS), which is measured by a Multiple-Item-Approach. It is tested, if (a) three facets of CPS – rule identification (adequateness of strategies), rule knowledge (generated knowledge) and rule application (ability to control a system) – can be empirically distinguished, how (b) reasoning is related to these CPS-facets and if (c) CPS shows incremental validity in predicting school grade point average (GPA) beyond reasoning. N=222 university students completed MicroDYN, a computer-based CPS test and Ravens Advanced Progressive Matrices. Analysis including structural equation models showed that a 2-dimensionsal model …

This article addresses two unsolved measurement issues in dynamic problem solving (DPS) research: (a) unsystematic construction of DPS tests making a comparison of results obtained in different studies difficult and (b) use of time-intensive single tasks leading to severe reliability problems. To solve these issues, the MicroDYN approach is presented, which combines (a) the formal framework of linear structural equation models as a systematic way to construct tasks with (b) multiple and independent tasks to increase reliability. Results indicated that the assumed measurement model that comprised three dimensions, information retrieval, model building, and forecasting, fitted the data well (n = …

In predominantly White school settings, where African Americans are distinctly

in the minority in the student (and faculty) population, African American

students need a buffer from racial politics. Research has found that while

the best learning varies in many public and private schools, racial stress

remains problematic for Black students from preschool to college education

settings (Advancement Project, 2005; Arrington, Hall, & Stevenson, 2003;

Cole & Arriola, 2007; Gilliam, 2005; Rosenbloom & Way, 2004). The burden

of shouldering this perceived and actual hostility is not solely confronted

by youth as many African American parents also worry about the emotional

costs …