Abstract

The aim of this research is to investigate problem solving skills of the individuals involved in mountaineering. 315 volunteers participated in the study. The research data were collected by problem solving scale developed by Heppner and Peterson and the Turkish version of which was conducted by Åžahin et al. There are totally 35 items and only 3 items are not scored. The scale adapted to Turkey consists of six items. These are hasty approach, thinking approach, avoidant approach and evaluator approach, self-confident approach and planned approach. The data collected were analyzed through statistical package program (SPSS 16.0) and the results were interpreted. In our study, Cronbach's Alpha Value of the scale was calculated to be 0.61. In the evaluation of research data, One Way Anova and T-test were used. As a result, in planned approach sub-dimension due to gender variable, significant variables were found. As a result, significant relations in planned approach sub-dimension due to gender variable, in avoidant approach and hasty approach due to age variable. The most striking relationship was found in experience variable. A relationship was found between experience and avoidant, self-confident, planned and thinking approach sub-dimensions. No significant relationship was found in the variables of marital status and education status. Making the activities increasing the experience is thought to be effective on problem-solving skill.

Key words: Mountaineering, problem solving, nature sports, sportsmen.