Decision-making as a Predictor of Problem-solving Skills in 5-6-year-old Children

Abstract

The objective of this study is to analyze decision-making skills as a predictor of problem-solving abilities in children aged 5-6 years. The sample set was comprised of 124 children ages 5-6 years in pre-schools in the mid Black Sea region in Turkey. Personal information forms, the Problem-Solving Ability Scale, and the Decision-Making Skill Assessment Scale—Children’s Form were used in the study. In the analysis of data obtained from the study, Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient was used in order to determine the relationship between variables, and multiple regression analysis was used in order to determine the predictor capacities of independent and dependent variables. According to results of the study, determination, independent decision-making, and feelings in decision-making—the tested categories of decision-making skills—are predictors of problem-solving abilities, hesitation in decision-making has not been acknowledged to be a significant factor in predicting problem-solving abilities.