Abstract
D.Litt.et Phil. (Psychology)
This study took place within the field of cognitive psychology, at the interface between
the differential and experimental traditions, thereby contributing towards an emerging
trend of theoretical synthesis. A structural model of problem solving processes was
developed and a methodological design strategy for the measurement of cognitive
processes followed. Indications for further research in the area were made.
The major predictions of the model were tested empirically with a multitrait-multimethod
design. This required the development of a battery of psychometric tests based on
task analytic procedures. These tests were administered to a sample of 117 white
middle class, school-Ieavers. The data obtained was statistically analysed according
to a linear structural equation modeling technique using confirmatory factor analytic
procedures.
The results show support for the construct validity of the processing tests in terms of
convergent and discriminant validity and therefore also for the proposed structural
model of problem solving processes and the underlying hypothesis that the structure
of information processing can be differentiated.