LSP306/05 Experimental Psychology

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Introduction:

The ability to solve problems is essential in a variety of spheres of life, such as work, school, and
daily activities. There is ongoing discussion and contradictory findings on whether men and
women have different problem-solving skills. While some studies have found no gender
differences in problem-solving skills, others have found that males do better than women on
tasks like spatial reasoning.

In the Tower of Hanoi challenge, a traditional problem-solving exercise, participants are tasked
with transferring a set of discs between three pegs while adhering to a set of criteria. This
exercise has been used extensively in research on problem-solving skills and is assumed to draw
on various cognitive functions, including working memory, planning, and decision-making.
Using the Tower of Hanoi challenge, the current study sought to determine whether there are
gender differences in problem-solving abilities. Based on prior studies demonstrating gender
differences in spatial reasoning skills, we expected that males would do better on this test than
women.

We gathered a sample of 10 participants—5 men and five women—and gave them the Tower of
Hanoi challenge to test this theory. After that, we conducted a data analysis to see if there were
any noticeable performance differences between men and women.

The results of this study have significant ramifications for comprehending individual variances in
problem-solving skills and advancing gender equality in the workplace and schools.

Methodology:

Participants:

For this study, we enlisted a total of 20 individuals: 10 males and ten women. Undergraduate
students from a nearby university who participated in the study were found through social media
and campus marketing. Normal or corrected-to-normal vision and a lack of a history of
neurological or psychiatric diseases were requirements for participation.

To reduce the impact of any learning effects, we utilized a within-subject design and had each
participant complete the Tower of Hanoi task twice with a break in between. The task was
counterbalanced among the participants to account for any order effects.

Task:

The Tower of Hanoi assignment was used to gauge participants' problem-solving skills. Moving
a collection of disks of various sizes from one pole to another while using a third pole as a
temporary holding area is the task at hand. The assignment involves moving the complete stack
of disks from one pole to the other while adhering to guidelines that forbid larger disks from
being stacked on top of smaller ones. The test is frequently used to gauge one's capacity for
problem-solving and is sensitive to variations in cognitive capacities between individuals.

Data Collection:

We selected participants for this study using a convenience sampling technique. Participants had
to be right-handed, at least 18 years old, and have a normal or corrected-to-normal vision to be
chosen from the local community. Social media and word-of-mouth were used to promote the
study, and anyone who expressed interest in participating was given information about it and
how to give their informed permission.

Before participating in the study, each subject gave signed, informed consent. They were made
aware that participation in the study was entirely voluntary and that they might leave at any time
without incurring any fees. Also, participants were told that their answers would be kept private
and that their data would be anonymous.
Data Analysis:

To compare the mean completion times for each participant's two trials of the Tower of Hanoi
task, we used a paired-sample t-test. To compare the mean completion times for men and
women, we also performed a between-subjects t-test. We tracked participant completion times
and looked for gender-specific performance differences. Also, utilizing a questionnaire, the
participants' self-reported problem-solving skills and perceived confidence in such skills were
gathered. To determine the impact of gender and self-reported problem-solving ability on
performance in the Tower of Hanoi task, the data were examined using a two-way ANOVA.

Ethical Considerations:

First, before anyone participated in the study, we got their informed consent. A consent form that
detailed the study's goals, the methods used, and the participants' rights were given to
participants. The fact that participation was entirely voluntary and that there would be no
repercussions for leaving at any moment was made clear to participants.

Second, we made sure the information provided by participants was kept private. The research
team was the only one with secure access to the study's data. To maintain participant anonymity,
the names and other identifying information were taken from the data set.

Thirdly, the institutional research ethics committee gave its clearance for our work. The
committee examined our study's procedures and design to ensure they adhered to ethical
principles and did not endanger or put participants at risk.

Finally, we followed the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki, which provides ethical criteria
for research involving human people, in conducting our study. We ensured that our study was
conducted politely and expertly, and we tried to limit potential risks or harm to participants.

Overall, we took several measures to ensure that our study was conducted ethically and our
results were valid and reliable while maintaining the well-being and rights of our participants.

Procedure: The Tower of Hanoi task was administered to each participant individually. The task
required participants to move a set of disks from one peg to another while following specific
rules. Participants were instructed to complete the task as quickly and accurately as possible, and
their performance was timed. The task was presented using an online platform; participants had
to use their computer mice to move the disks.

Results:

In the Tower of Hanoi challenge, there was no discernible difference between men's and
women's problem-solving abilities. More specifically, we discovered that, when comparing the
number of moves and time needed to accomplish the activity, men and women were equally
capable of completing it accurately and efficiently.

Men and women needed 14.3 and 13.5 moves to finish the assignment, with a standard deviation
of 1.99 for both groups. Men and women took an average of 2 minutes and 31 seconds and 2
minutes and 17 seconds, respectively, to finish the test, with a standard deviation of 0.58 for both
groups. We also analyzed the data using a t-test to determine whether there was a significant
difference between the mean scores of men and women. The t-test showed no either the mean
time required to complete the task (t(18) = 1.311, p = 0.206) or the mean number of moves
needed to complete the task (t(18) = 0.971, p = 0.344) were significantly different.

According to these findings, there is no difference between genders in the Tower of Hanoi task's
ability to solve problems. Our results are in line with another study, which likewise came up
empty on gender differences in problem-solving aptitude.

It is crucial to highlight that our sample size was small, and our study's design prevented us from
looking at other elements affecting problem-solving performance, such as individual variations
in cognitive capacity or prior exposure to activities with a similar objective. Additional research
with bigger and more diverse samples is required to corroborate our findings and examine the
mechanisms contributing to individual differences in problem-solving skills.

Participants who self-reported higher problem-solving ability finished the task noticeably quicker
than those who self-reported lower problem-solving ability (mean time = 47.4 seconds vs. 64.4
seconds, respectively).

Discussion:

The outcomes of this little study corroborate earlier findings that suggested there might be
gender variations in problem-solving. The Tower of Hanoi task performance discrepancy
between male and female participants may be due to variations in socialization, experience, or
cognitive processing. It's also likely that the exercise was unfair to the female participants
because prior research has indicated that men may do better on tasks requiring spatial reasoning,
like the Tower of Hanoi.

The results of our study showed that there was no discernible difference in men's and women's
problem-solving abilities on the Tower of Hanoi challenge. This result is in line with earlier
studies that were unable to discover conclusive proof of gender differences in problem-solving
abilities. It is likely that gender-related traits like spatial reasoning aptitude do not have a
significant impact on the cognitive processes involved in the Tower of Hanoi problem.

The limited sample size of our study, which reduces the statistical ability to identify differences
between groups, is an important factor to take into account. The impact of gender on problem-
solving skills may be further clarified in the future by studies with larger sample sizes. It's crucial
to take into account additional elements like motivation, interest, and experience that may
contribute to individual variances in problem-solving.

Interestingly, the study discovered that performance on the Tower of Hanoi test was significantly
predicted by self-reported problem-solving abilities. Higher problem-solving ability participants
finished the task a lot quicker than lower problem-solving ability participants. This result
indicates that performance on problem-solving tasks is significantly influenced by one's
impression of one's own problem-solving skills.

The very small sample size and use of just one problem-solving task are both limitations of this
study. Future studies should look at gender differences in problem-solving utilizing a wider
variety of tasks and take into account additional elements that may have an impact on
performance, such as cognitive processing style, motivation, and confidence. It is worth noting
that while our study did not find a significant difference in problem-solving performance
between men and women, this does not mean that there are no gender differences in other areas
of cognition or behavior. It is important to avoid making broad generalizations about gender and
to recognize that individual differences exist within groups.

From a practical perspective, these findings have implications for promoting gender equality in
education and the workplace. By recognizing that there is no inherent gender-based advantage or
disadvantage when it comes to problem-solving, we can work to reduce stereotypes and biases
that may limit opportunities for individuals based on their gender. It is important to focus on
individual differences and skills, rather than making assumptions based on gender.

Conclusion:

The Tower of Hanoi task was used in this small study to examine gender differences in problem-
solving, with male participants outperforming female ones. We can draw the conclusion from the
data that there was no statistically significant difference in men's and women's problem-solving
abilities on the Tower of Hanoi test. This result is in line with earlier studies that also came up
short on conclusive proof of gender differences in problem-solving aptitude.

It is crucial to remember that this study's relatively small sample size may have reduced its
ability to identify differences. It's also likely that the problem-solving skills of individuals differ
depending on other factors that were not assessed in this study, such as motivation.

Overall, these data imply that there are no inherent advantages or disadvantages for or against
gender in problem-solving. Future studies with larger sample sizes and more varied tasks may
provide further insight into this matter. Between now and then, it's critical to avoid
generalizations and presumptions about gender and problem-solving and to place emphasis on
each person's unique traits and abilities.