This study examined the problem-solving and decision-making concepts included in the Consumer and Homemaking curricula in Illinois. Data were taken from a larger study, "Evaluating Program Outcomes: Occupation of Homemaking," conducted under the auspices of the Illinois State Board of Education. Through telephone interviews, 333 randomly selected Illinois high school graduates (between 1979 and 1984) rated each concept on a 10-point Likert scale. Each concept was rated twice: once, to rate importance of the concept to adult functioning and second, the graduates' competence. Of the 57 concepts included in the Consumer and Homemaking curricula, 16 related to problem solving and decision making. Using a t-test, differences were found between those who had enrolled in one or more home economics courses and those who had no home economics course. A confounding variable is that consumer education is required of every high school graduate in Illinois. When data were analyzed according to course taken, three courses showed significant differences for competence. Respondents enrolled in home economics courses did perceive the importance of problem-solving and decision-making processes for adult living higher than respondents not enrolled in home economics courses. Results also showed enrollment in home economics courses increases the perceived competence of problem solving and decision making processes. (Eighteen references and the interview schedule are included.) (NLA)