Components of Accurate Problem-Solving Communications 1

A type of problem-solving communication is defined in which, it is hypothesized, communication accuracy may be facilitated by specified communication behaviors. Forty-three pairs of fifth grade children were observed performing three representative problem-solving tasks. Although the specific content of the three tasks differed, accuracy scores were significantly correlated. Three components of problem-solving communication were assessed: (1) orientation to other’s point of view, (2) communication of essential information and (3) verification of solutions. These components were used to account for communication accuracy and to reexamine previously reported relationships between children’s social characteristics and communication accuracy.