The Early Independent Problem Solving Survey (EIPSS): Its psychometric properties in children aged 12–47 months

Hoicka, Elena; Powell, Stephanie; Rose, Sarah E.; Reindl, Eva; Tennie, Claudio

Abstract

Independent problem solving (IPS) involves solving problems alone; with motivation and persistence; without watching others; or requesting or receiving help. The Early Independent Problem Solving Survey (EIPSS) was developed for 12- to 47-month-olds. Study 1 (N = 272) found good internal reliability and a 2-factor structure: Repetitive (repeatedly solvable problems, e.g., jigsaws) and Novel IPS (one-off problems, e.g., reaching out-of-reach toys). Study 2 (N = 567) confirmed good internal reliability and the 2-factor structure. Study 3 (N = 85) found a positive correlation between a divergent thinking lab measure and Novel IPS. Study 4 found good 6-month-longitudinal stability (N = 110) for the EIPSS and its subscales; and good agreement between parents (N = 32) for the Repetitive subscale. Study 5 (all data combined) demonstrated no item functioning differences across demographic variables. Differences for child age, child gender, parent age, and parent education were found for the EIPSS and subscales.

Citation

Hoicka, E., Powell, S., Rose, S. E., Reindl, E., & Tennie, C. (2023). The Early Independent Problem Solving Survey (EIPSS): Its psychometric properties in children aged 12–47 months. Cognitive Development, 68, Article 101366. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cogdev.2023.101366

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 10, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Sep 7, 2023
• Publication Date: 2023-10
• Deposit Date: Jan 11, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 11, 2024
• Journal: Cognitive Development
• Print ISSN: 0885-2014
• Electronic ISSN: 1879-226X
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 68
• Article Number: 101366
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cogdev.2023.101366
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/2119267