Abstract

This research aims to examine if there is a significant difference between “the problem
solving abilities” of the undergraduates in primary school depending on variables of father’s education
level, mother’s education level, class level, gender and need for cognition level. The paradigm of this
research is 356 undergraduates who study at Primary School Department of Education Faculty in
Çukurova University, Adana. In order to evaluate the need for cognition level of undergraduates the “need
for cognition scale” is used, in order to evaluate the problem solving ability of them “problem solving
inventory” is used and in order to determine their personal traits “personal information form” that is
prepared by the researcher is used. The results of research indicated significant differences in problem
solving ability depending on gender and class level. There is no significant difference in problem solving
ability depending on the father’s education level and mother’s education level. A significant difference
occurred in the interaction of need for cognition and mother’s education level. There is no significant
difference in the interaction of need for cognition level and father’s education level, class level and
gender.

Key words: Problem, Problem Solving, Cognition, Need for Cognition