Problem Solving Patterns
Disciplines
Cognitive Psychology | Psychology | Social and Behavioral Sciences
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Choosing a college major is an important decision that impacts the trajectory of a student’s career. Previous research has indicated that decision-making and problem-solving skills are critical for navigating new and complex environments. These studies suggest that individuals who demonstrate higher problem-solving skills are often more efficient at analyzing and interpreting information, leading to better decision-making outcomes. In contrast, poor problem-solving and decision-making skills may result in dissatisfaction with the chosen path. This study will examine the relationship between problem-solving and decision-making skills and how these skills influence the college major selection process. Researchers predicted that there is a positive correlation between decision-making and problem-solving skills. We also hypothesized that those who score higher in problem-solving skills are more likely to make confident decisions regarding their major. To test this hypothesis, data was collected through a survey administered to a sample of undergraduate Kennesaw State University students. Participants were asked to complete a self-reported questionnaire about their personal problem solving skills, decision-making processes, and other factors that may influence major selection. Results indicated that students who have greater problem-solving skills also yield greater decision making skills in respect to choosing their career paths. These results shown in SPSS showed that there was a positive correlation between problem-solving and career decision-making. There was also a positive correlation between career decision-making and confidence. Lastly, results also showed that students who have a major along with a minor yield even higher correlations of problem-solving and decision making. We can find this study to be very significant because of the many difficulties students encounter when choosing a life-long career. Getting a clear understanding of how these decisions are made can help future students feel more comfortable making decisions within their careers choices along with increasing their confidence in making these decisions as well.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
RCHSS - Psychological Science
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Christina Salnaitis
Problem Solving Patterns
Choosing a college major is an important decision that impacts the trajectory of a student’s career. Previous research has indicated that decision-making and problem-solving skills are critical for navigating new and complex environments. These studies suggest that individuals who demonstrate higher problem-solving skills are often more efficient at analyzing and interpreting information, leading to better decision-making outcomes. In contrast, poor problem-solving and decision-making skills may result in dissatisfaction with the chosen path. This study will examine the relationship between problem-solving and decision-making skills and how these skills influence the college major selection process. Researchers predicted that there is a positive correlation between decision-making and problem-solving skills. We also hypothesized that those who score higher in problem-solving skills are more likely to make confident decisions regarding their major. To test this hypothesis, data was collected through a survey administered to a sample of undergraduate Kennesaw State University students. Participants were asked to complete a self-reported questionnaire about their personal problem solving skills, decision-making processes, and other factors that may influence major selection. Results indicated that students who have greater problem-solving skills also yield greater decision making skills in respect to choosing their career paths. These results shown in SPSS showed that there was a positive correlation between problem-solving and career decision-making. There was also a positive correlation between career decision-making and confidence. Lastly, results also showed that students who have a major along with a minor yield even higher correlations of problem-solving and decision making. We can find this study to be very significant because of the many difficulties students encounter when choosing a life-long career. Getting a clear understanding of how these decisions are made can help future students feel more comfortable making decisions within their careers choices along with increasing their confidence in making these decisions as well.