Problem specificity and use of problem-solving strategies

Using an experimental analogue to a real-life problem- solving situation, strategies used by lay persons to solve interpersonal problems under conditions of high and low specificity were investigated. One hundred randomly selected participants were randomly assigned to experimental conditions of high and low problem specificity. Participants verbalized how they would go about solving the problems. Verbalizations were audio recorded, transcribed and coded in terms of problem-solving strategies. The extent of strategy use was influenced by problem specificity, implicating the influence of the problem situation on the problem-solving process. However, such influence was not uniform across the six strategies. Some strategies were affected by problem specificity, while use of others was similar for specific and non-specific problems. Implications for social work practice are considered.