title: Emotional intelligence and problem solving strategy: comparative study basedon "tower of hanoi" test.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to compare problem solving strategies between peoples with high and low emotional intelligence (EI).
  
  
  METHODS
  This study is a cross sectional descriptive study.The sample groups include senior BS& BA between 20-30 years old into two with high and low emotional intelligence, each group had 30 subjects.Data was analyzed with non-parametric chi square test for main dependent variable (problem solving strategies) and accessory dependent variables(manner of starting and fulfillmentof the test).The Independent two group T-test was used for analyzing other accessory dependent variables(Number of errors and total time used for fulfillment of the test).
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a significant difference between two groups in "number of errors" (t=-3.67,p=0) and "total time used for fulfillment of the test"(-6.17,p=0) and there was significant relation between EI and "problem solving strategies" (χ2=25.71, p<0.01) and (Cramer's v = 0.65, p<0.01) .Also there was significant relation between EI and "fulfillment of test" (χ2=20.31, p<0.01) and (φ=0.58, p<0.01). But the relation between EI and "manner of starting the test" was not significant (χ2=1.11, p=0.29). Subjects with high EI used more "insightful" strategy and subjects with low EI used more "trial- error" strategy. The first group completed the test more rapidlyand with fewer errors, compared with the second group. In addition the first group was more successful in performing the test than the second one.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  People with high EI significantly solve problems better than people with lowEI.
authors.affiliation: Payam-Noor University, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Zahra
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Arefnasab
authors.affiliation: Payam-Noor University, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Hosein
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Zare
authors.affiliation: Payam-Noor University, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Abdolreza
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Babamahmoodi
keywords: Emotional Intelligence; Problem Solving Strategies; Tower of Hanoi Test