INFLUENCE OF PERSONALITY ON PROBLEM-SOLVING ABILITY AMONG SELECTED PARTICIPANTS: A PILOT STUDY

Abstract

Problem-solving consists of trying to eliminate the differences that may exist between the situations that one is in and the situation one wants to be in by removing anything that serves as a barrier or abnormality in a given situation. In problem-solving, some strategies are used. They are Trial and Error, Algorithms, Hypothesis testing, and Heuristics. Obstacles that an individual comes across while solving problems are, confirmation bias, mental set, functional fixedness, and self-limitation. Etc. Research findings have established that an individual can improve upon his capability by having self-confidence, getting rid of indecision, procrastination, self-limitation, and fear of failure. Personality may be taken to be an individual's most striking or dominant characteristics. The interest of this study was to know whether personality affects problem-solving ability.  In an attempt to know if problem-solving ability is affected by an individual’s personality eight human subjects were given some practical problems to solve. The problems given are the four—card problem, Duncker’s candle problem, Lunchin’s water—jug problem, Speed and accuracy Test, and fact inspection and assembly tests. This result shows that personality type does not have a significant effect on problem-solving ability.