METHOD
Procedure
In collaboration with a Singaporean computer firm, IT 21, a computer program presenting eight conflict settings was developed to be run from the CDROM on Windows 95 based PCs (Table I).
Some of the conflicts were modeled after the training program by Shure on “I can Problem-Solve” (Shure, 1992).
Others were tailored to reflect the contextual knowledge of Singaporean children (e.g., not being able to reach the rambutan fruits on a tree).
Four easy and four difficult problems were pictured with cueing options for various possible solutions. Eight distinct social problems were presented, along with a choice of possible solutions, and an additional option (indicated by a light
bulb) for producing alternative solutions.
Problems differed in level of difficulty to assure that participants of various levels could be successful as well as challenged by them.
In easy conflicts, the child had to find solutions to everyday problems such as not getting his turn or not being able to reach an item. By contrast, difficult conflict settings illustrated higher level social problems such as not having sufficient money to buy a desired item or being scolded for breaking an object.
The distinction between “easy” and “difficult” problem settings was based on consensus among the program designers.