Deck 3: Solving Problems Analytically and Creatively

Question 1

Your boss stares out the window with her feet up for at least an hour every day. Most people think she is not working. People that criticize her may be falling prey to the conceptual block of bias against thinking.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

A good problem definition includes differentiating factual information from speculative information.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

The stage of creative problem solving that is defined by mostly unconscious mental activity in which the mind combines unrelated thoughts in pursuit of a solution is the illumination stage.

Answer 3

False

Question 4

"Incubation," according to the DeGraff model cited in the text, is the pursuit of rapid goal achievement and achieving results faster than others.

Question 5

When evaluating alternatives, one should be concerned solely about meeting organizational goals.

Question 6

One major difference between effective, creative problem solvers and other people is that creative problem solvers are less constrained in both defining the problem and developing solutions.

Question 7

According to the authors of the text, one reason why most people have difficulty solving problems creatively is because they think of creativity simply as generating new ideas.

Question 8

When defining the problem, top priority should be placed on identifying all the underlying symptoms of the problem.

Question 9

The analytical problem-solving model works best when the problem faced is complex and ambiguous.

Question 10

Examples of the conceptual block of constancy include lateral thinking and only one thinking language.

Question 11

Finding commonalities among two things is a good way to overcome a conceptual block in problem solving.

Question 12

A common problem in managerial decision making is that alternative solutions to problems are evaluated as they are proposed.

Question 13

Conceptual blocks are mental obstacles that constrain the way problems are defined and that limit the number of alternative solutions thought to be relevant.

Question 14

Your team at work has been specifying solutions that are consistent with the goals of the organization and has been building on each other's ideas. This means your team is effectively generating alternatives.

Question 15

The analytical problem-solving model would be the most appropriate approach in determining why employee morale has declined in an organization.

Question 16

Breakthroughs, out-of-the-box thinking, and radical thinking would be examples of a type of creative problem solving that can be called "Imagination."

Question 17

Involving others in implementing the solution to a problem will increase support of and decrease resistance to the solution.

Question 18

Implementation of a solution to a problem should include opportunities for feedback.

Question 19

Making inappropriate assumptions that inhibit problem solutions is an example of the conceptual block of compression.

Question 20

Susan states, "Well, I think this solution will work for now." Susan violated an important guideline for effectively evaluating alternative solutions to problems.

Question 21

You are asked to list all the possible uses for a Ping-Pong ball. After making the list, by using the technique of subdivision, you should be able to determine many more alternative uses for the Ping-Pong ball.

Question 22

Your boss remarks to you that "decision making is concerned with the discovery and selection of satisfactory alternatives." What would be the best response to your boss?

A) "No, I believe decision making is concerned with proper problem definition."
B) "No, I believe decision making is concerned with the generation of alternatives."
C) "No, I believe decision making is concerned with the discovery and selection of optimal alternatives."
D) "Yes, I agree."

Question 23

The problem is that sales are low. The sales manager accepted responsibility and said it was his fault that sales were low. Thus, he proposed offering rebates next month to stimulate sales. Rebates have never been offered in the company before, and the impact rebates may have on sales in the future is unknown. Other alternatives have been offered. Should this rebate idea be implemented as-is?

A) Yes
B) No, it hasn't been determined whose problem this is.
C) No, the idea has only come from one person.
D) No, long-term consequences have not been considered.

Question 24

Your group has agreed to do a skit as part of its presentation to the class. Bob believes a beach skit with everyone wearing swimsuits would liven up the presentation. Someone in the group remarked, "What a stupid idea!" What step in the analytical problem-solving method is violated by this response?

A) Define the problem
B) Generate alternative solutions
C) Evaluate and select an alternative
D) Implement and follow up

Question 25

The principle of compression is a key technique to unlocking an individual's creative potential.

Question 26

One way for a manager to foster creativity would be to pull an individual apart from others and give him/her space to work alone on a problem or idea.

Question 27

The rule breaker is an important role for a manager to assign to foster creativity.

Question 28

What is the natural tendency of people in resolving problems?

A) Select the first reasonable solution that comes to mind
B) Ignore the first solution that comes to mind
C) Select the best solution after evaluating all the alternatives
D) None of the answer choices are correct.

Question 29

What is accomplished by implementing a solution incrementally with a "small-wins" strategy?

A) Decreases resistance by others to the solution
B) Increases the overall or total costs
C) Creates support with only a few people at a time
D) Helps give people a break during implementation

Question 30

Which attributes should be included in effective implementation of a solution and follow up on the implementation?

A) Setting up an optimal standard for evaluation of alternatives
B) Creating alternatives that are consistent with organizational goals
C) Evaluating alternatives systematically
D) Providing a process that includes opportunities for feedback

Question 31

In evaluating alternatives, individuals should make sure that alternatives are judged in terms of (1) their probable effects, (2) whether individuals involved will accept the alternative, and (3) the consistency with policies of the organization. Which points are correct?

A) All three points are correct.
B) Points 1 and 2 are correct.
C) Points 1 and 3 are correct.
D) Points 2 and 3 are correct.

Question 32

This problem-solving style occurs less frequently but often separates career successes from career failures. What does this problem-solving style focus on?

A) Analytical problem solving
B) Creative problem solving
C) Managerial problem solving
D) Strategic thinking

Question 33

Which of the following is best when generating alternatives?

A) Evaluate the alternatives as they are proposed; this saves time.
B) Focus on the short term; bad decisions in the short term means there is no long term to worry about.
C) Evaluate the alternatives after all alternatives have been proposed.
D) Separate alternatives from one another.

Question 34

Your team has experienced an increase in absenteeism in the past six weeks. In the meeting to define the problem, George recommends that personal leave days be abolished. The group ignores that suggestion but instead decides to fire all employees who are absent starting Monday. What went wrong in the decision-making process?

A) The first acceptable solution was accepted.
B) The problem was stated as part of the solution.
C) The problem was stated too explicitly.
D) The information about the problem was based on speculation.

Question 35

A manager of a shipping department was concerned about an order that a customer reported as several weeks late. To define the problem, the manager asked an employee in the shipping department why the order had not arrived. The employee said, "Someone probably made a mistake on the address. That would be my guess." Thus, the manager asked the employee to reship the order. What characteristic of good problem definition is most violated by this manager?

A) The problem factual information should be differentiated from opinion or speculation.
B) The problem should be stated explicitly.
C) The problem definition should be different than a disguised solution.
D) The problem definition should be written down.

Question 36

Which should you do when evaluating alternatives?

A) Evaluate alternatives relative to a satisfactory standard
B) Evaluate alternatives in an unstructured and creative manner
C) Evaluate alternatives based on what will work
D) Evaluate alternatives in terms of individual preferences and organizational goals

Question 37

Particularistic cultures have a tendency toward creative solution finding.

Question 38

Your group has a presentation to the class in two weeks. Moe believes that the presentation should be similar to a presentation he gave in his Marketing class last semester. Curly wants it to be similar to his Finance presentation that his group gave earlier this month. Larry believes that the presentation should be like the first group, after all they received an A. You think, what a bunch of stooges. Which guideline did your group violate in regard to the analytical problem-solving model?

A) Problems should not be defined in terms of solutions.
B) Limited information should be given about each alternative.
C) The first acceptable alternative should not be accepted right away.
D) Alternatives should not be based on what was successful in the past.

Question 39

The outcome is predictable, you have sufficient information, and the means-ends connections are clear. You should utilize a creative problem-solving approach.

Question 40

Brainstorming is only effective when it occurs in a face-to-face group setting.

Question 41

When an individual becomes consistent in how he or she approaches problems, he or she is practicing which conceptual block?

A) Commitment
B) Compression
C) Constancy
D) Complacency

Question 42

Your boss states, "Conceptual blocks are easy to overcome. Also, everyone develops some conceptual blocks over time and we need some to cope with everyday life." Should you agree or disagree?

A) Agree
B) Agree partially; only some conceptual blocks are easy to overcome
C) Disagree

Question 43

You are a manager who would like to enhance the creative problem-solving abilities of your employees. What should you do?

A) Increase their formal education
B) Improve their thinking skills
C) Improve their interpersonal skills
D) Improve their exposure to information

Question 44

In studying for a test, Harry always highlights passages in his textbooks and reviews the highlighted sections. Recently, in his Management class, Harry did not receive a good grade on his first exam. Sally suggested that Harry try studying a different way by writing down the highlighted passages on paper. Harry refused, saying, "It has always worked before, why change? " Which conceptual block is Harry experiencing?

A) Constancy
B) Artificial constraint
C) Compression
D) Complacency

Question 45

You have a problem that is both complex and very ambiguous. In looking for a creative solution, what would be best for you to do?

A) Think simply about generating alternatives.
B) Clearly define the problem.
C) Consider multiple approaches to creativity.
D) Assign one person to work alone and solve the problem.

Question 46

Which of the following is the most appropriate approach to creativity when incremental changes and tightening up processes are necessary?

A) Imagination
B) Improvement
C) Investment
D) Incubation

Question 47

If you assume that individuals who are experienced in launching a new product know the best marketing approach, which conceptual block are you practicing?

A) Vertical thinking
B) Stereotyping
C) Compression
D) Ignoring commonalities

Question 48

In describing a new problem you are having with your computer, your boss interrupts and states, "I had the same problem last week. It's something to do with the network." Which conceptual block could be inhibiting your boss's creative problem-solving approach?

A) Vertical thinking
B) Artificial constraints
C) Stereotyping
D) Ignoring commonalities

Question 49

When relevant information is available, when a clear standard exists to assess the correctness of a solution, and when the problem is straightforward, which decision model should be used?

A) Analytical problem solving
B) Creative problem solving
C) Neither the analytical nor creative problem-solving model
D) Both the analytical and creative problem-solving models

Question 50

Sometimes people fail to act creatively because they define their current problems simply as variations on their past problems. When people restrict their decision making in this way, they are falling prey to which of the following?

A) Perceptual stereotyping
B) Subdivision
C) Janusian thinking
D) Morphological synthesis

Question 51

If you are replacing the copier in the office, which problem-solving style would be most appropriate?

A) Analytical problem solving
B) Creative problem solving
C) Neither analytical nor creative problem solving

Question 52

One of the most common blocks to creativity involves a person becoming so committed to a particular point of view that they fail to identify themes that link the problem to other related areas of knowledge. Which of the following describes this phenomenon?

A) Morphological synthesis
B) Perceptual stereotyping
C) Ignoring commonalities
D) Synectics

Question 53

Which type of creativity focuses on new, revolutionary solutions to problems?

A) Imagination
B) Improvement
C) Investment
D) Incubation

Question 54

Looking too narrowly at a problem is what type of conceptual block?

A) Constancy
B) Compression
C) Commitment
D) Complacency

Question 55

How both the microwave and Post-it Notes came to be produced are excellent examples of which problem-solving model?

A) Analytical problem solving
B) Creative problem solving
C) Synectic problem solving

Question 56

Which of the following is the most appropriate approach to creativity when collective effort and involvement of others is important?

A) Imagination
B) Improvement
C) Investment
D) Incubation

Question 57

Which type of creativity focuses on fast, competitive responses to problems?

A) Imagination
B) Improvement
C) Investment
D) Incubation

Question 58

Which of the following is an example of a thinking language that is capable of breaking down the constancy block?

A) Foreign language
B) Observation and evaluation
C) Visual imagery
D) Alternative generation

Question 59

If someone believes that the possible alternatives to a problem must conform with her perception of the boss's expectations, which conceptual block is she a victim of?

A) Perceptual stereotyping
B) Not separating figure from ground
C) Ignoring commonalities
D) Artificial constraints

Question 60

Which type of creativity emphasizes developmental and deliberate responses to problems?

A) Imagination
B) Investment
C) Incubation

Question 61

What stage of creative problem solving can training most improve?

A) Preparation stage
B) Incubation stage
C) Illumination stage
D) Verification stage
E) All of the stages

Question 62

During a brainstorming session, George remarks, "I think we are getting a little off track. Let's stay focused!" He has violated which rule?

A) Evaluate the alternatives as they are being generated.
B) All different types of ideas should be encouraged.
C) Quality takes precedence over quantity.
D) He did not violate a rule. He is playing an important monitoring role.

Question 63

Which of the following is true about creative problem solving?

A) It is a skill that can be taught.
B) It is quick and easy to learn to become a creative problem solver.
C) It is always better than analytical problem solving.
D) It is something that only certain people can learn.

Question 64

What does creativity in Eastern cultures focus on?

A) Analytical problem solving
B) Uncovering enlightenment related to problems
C) Creating solutions to novel problems
D) Practical ways to solve problems

Question 65

According to research, which would creative problem solvers use?

A) The left hemisphere of the brain
B) The right hemisphere of the brain
C) Both the left and right hemispheres of the brain
D) Linear thinking and behavior

Question 66

Which of the following activities is consistent with the synectics technique?

A) Reversing the definition of the problem
B) Dividing up the problem into smaller parts
C) Comparing the problem to something that seems completely unrelated
D) Changing the connecting words that you use to talk about relationships within the problem

Question 67

Mrs. McArdle encourages her elementary school students to experiment and to try new things to see what will happen. She encourages them to be reasonable risk takers. She is trying to help them overcome which conceptual block?

A) Noninquisitiveness
B) Bias against thinking
C) Compression
D) Ignoring commonalities

Question 68

If your boss said, "Managing people is like playing a game of chess," he would most likely be exemplifying what?

A) The creative stage of preparation
B) The creative stage of incubation
C) The creative stage of illumination
D) The creative stage of verification

Question 69

Your boss states, "Morale here is like the loser's locker room after a big game." He has used which technique to improve creative problem solving?

A) Make the strange familiar
B) Reverse the definition
C) Elaborate on the definition
D) Personal analogy

Question 70

If you defer judgment, expand current alternatives, and combine unrelated attributes during creative problem solving, what are you doing?

A) Improving the problem definition
B) Elaborating on the problem definition
C) Generating more alternatives
D) Incubating the problem

Question 71

In trying to eliminate the long lines in student registration, Susan diagrammed a student's action indicating who she talked to, when, and how long. What would this be an example of?

A) Personal analogy
B) Direct analogy
C) Symbolic analogy
D) Fantasy analogy

Question 72

If you have trouble determining the difference between important and unimportant data, you are experiencing which conceptual block?

A) Artificial constraints
B) Ignoring commonalities
C) Separating figure from ground
D) Noninquisitiveness

Question 73

Amber had been struggling to come up with a creative idea for her marketing proposal for weeks. Frustrated, she decided to leave her office and go for a hike in the mountains to clear her mind. She enjoyed taking in her natural surroundings and thought little about her work. When she arrived back at the office, she suddenly had a promising new idea occur to her. In what phase of creative decision making was Amber during her hike in the mountains?

A) Preparation
B) Incubation
C) Illumination
D) Verification

Question 74

What should you do if you want to be more creative in your problem solving?

A) Reserve your best time for thinking
B) Talk to others about your ideas
C) Read a lot, especially outside your field of expertise
D) A and C, but not B
E) Engage in all the activities described above

Question 75

You discover that there is an error in your Excel spreadsheet, but you don't know the source of the problem. In sorting out the problem, which problem style would be most appropriate?

A) Creative problem solving
B) Analytical problem solving
C) Synectic problem solving

Question 76

What is your boss trying to do in terms of creative problem solving if he asks the following questions: Is there anything else we aren't considering as we conceptualize this problem? Is the reverse true?
And What past experience is this like?

A) Reverse the definition
B) Generate more alternatives
C) Elaborate on the definition
D) Use a fantasy analogy

Question 77

The following statements relate to the rules governing brainstorming: (1) No evaluations of alternatives are generated, (2) Wildest possible ideas are encouraged, (3) Quality takes precedence over quantity, and (4) Do not build on the ideas of others. Which statements are correct?

A) All the statements are correct.
B) Only statements 1 and 3 are correct.
C) Only statements 2 and 3 are correct.
D) Only statement 3 is correct.
E) Only statements 1 and 2 are correct.

Question 78

If your boss encourages your team to ask questions and obtain and search for data, she is trying to overcome which conceptual block?

A) Bias against thinking
B) Noninquisitiveness
C) Separating figure from ground
D) Compression

Question 79

What stage of creative problem solving occurs when an insight is recognized and a creative solution is articulated?

A) Preparation stage
B) Illumination stage
C) Incubation stage
D) Verification stage

Question 80

How does subdivision improve problem solving?

A) Decreases the number of alternatives generated by a group
B) Increases the level of participation of brainstorming participants
C) Increases the speed with which alternatives can be generated and selected
D) Increases the speed of decision making