A study examined the possible differences in home training received by Hispanics and Anglos, the development of particular problem-solving styles as a result of home training, and possible differences between Hispanics and Anglos in problem-solving styles. A questionnaire was used to investigate home teaching style, actualization of home-encouraged problem-solving styles, and self-perceived achievement and/or degree of difficulty in learning science and math. Two nonverbal intelligence subtests were also used to measure inductive problem-solving style. Results indicate a significant difference in problem-solving behaviors encouraged in Hispanic and Anglo homes, namely that Anglo homes tend to encourage analytic and self-dependent skills more often than Hispanic homes. It is suggested that the relative breadth of cognitive skills use encouraged in the home and the use of an analytic versus a global format in teaching strategies may be more influential in academic failure among Hispanics than language skills. It is concluded that learners need to be exposed to analytic and global problem-solving behavior to ensure the development of alternative styles in approaching learning tasks successfully. (MSE)