Relationships between problem-solving competencies and militaristic attitudes: Implications for peace education.

This study investigated relationships between problem-solving competencies and militaristic attitudes in a sample of 101 college students. Problem-solving competencies for international conflict resolution were assessed by using the Conflict Resolution Strategies Checklist to score essays written about how the President of the United States could respond to a hypothetical conflict between the United States and Iran. Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) Verbal scores and grades in Introductory Psychology classes were used as measures of more general problem-solving ability. Whereas checklist scores, SAT scores, and class grades were interrelated, measures of problem-solving competency were significantly correlated neither with militaristic attitudes nor with gun control attitudes, Religious/Social Authoritarianism, or Social Dominance Orientation. However, militaristic attitudes were related to Religious/Social Authoritarianism (r =. 45) and to Social Dominance Orientation (r =. 35). Implications for peace educa...