Deck 12: Speaking in Groups

Question 1

A mystery writers group wants to hold public book discussions, with members facing the audience and talking informally without prepared speeches. What format would work best?

A) symposium
B) panel
C) symposium-forum
D) round table

Answer 1

B

Question 2

A new group leader?

A) someone who praises all sides and supports all opinions
B) someone who questions decisions and expresses doubts about solutions
C) someone who takes notes and keeps everyone on track
D) someone who talks the most and listens carefully

Answer 2

D

Question 3

A popular columnist is upbeat and enthusiastic, regularly giving reinforcement and approval to other members of the local press club. What group maintenance role is he fulfilling?

A) the standard setter
B) the follower
C) the harmonizer
D) the elaborator

Answer 3

C

Question 4

A special project group was appointed by the CEO and has been meeting each week, but it is now experiencing the repercussions of social loafing. This means that some members

A) are always negative and disagreeable.
B) are finding ways to compromise rather than accepting ideas outright.
C) are attacking other members in a personal way.
D) are exerting little effort and barely participating.

Question 5

Each of these volunteer groups meets weekly to discuss problems in the soup kitchen or homeless shelter where members work. Which group is experiencing groupthink?

A) These volunteers ignore facts and opinions that conflict with the assumed group position.
B) These volunteers focus attention on their own thoughts and accomplishments.
C) These volunteers keep the communication flowing and get everyone to think of more ideas.
D) These volunteers are at a stalemate and cannot agree on anything.

Question 6

The school board members have agreed on a solution to the overcrowding problem, though it's not unanimous - it's just something they can all live with for now. Which method did they use to decide?

A) consensus
B) symposium
C) majority rule
D) authority

Question 7

The members now decide which standards they will use for weighing solutions, knowing these must be realistic or no solution will ever seem acceptable. Which step of the problem-solving sequence are they in?

A) Identify Possible Solutions
B) Evaluate Solutions
C) Establish Criteria for Evaluating Solutions
D) Select the Best Solution

Question 8

A bridge collapsed last week causing many fatalities, and now the police, first responders, and civil engineers call a press conference to provide results of their investigation. This is a time when
A) a group does not need to create an agreed-on agenda.

A) a violation of time limits would severely damage the group's presentation.
B) both a brief oral report and a more extensive written report are required of the group.
B) one individual acts as a mentor for the others in the group.

Question 9

Among the elite scientists exploring the reasons for unusual weather patterns and strange meteorological phenomena, one physicist mentions radio waves from outer space. Which group task role is he performing?

A) procedural technician
B) gatekeeper-expediter
C) evaluator-critic
D) initiator-contributor

Question 10

A professor is asked to direct the academic panel on immigration issues. When moderating the panel, he should

A) interject meaningful transitions between all presentations.
B) realize a panel format is highly structured and very demanding of its participants.
C) treat every comment or question seriously even if they seem silly.
D) feel free to share his opinions through verbal or nonverbal responses.

Question 11

A group meets monthly to discuss the city's cultural arts. Though others may be used, the most popular discussion pattern seen in these types of _____ is topical organization.

A) brainstorming groups
B) intervention groups
C) educational or learning groups
D) assertiveness training groups

Question 12

The medical team leader listens willingly, avoids interrupting, and reacts supportively, while also offering constructive criticism. Which leadership skill is she demonstrating?

A) mentoring group members
B) empowering group members
C) guiding group members through an agenda
D) preparing group members and starting interaction

Question 13

LinkedIn and Facebook oppose self-promoting and commercializing, while other social media groups tolerate or even encourage these postings. This shows how online groups vary greatly in terms of their

A) group types.
B) group roles.
C) group formats.
D) group norms.

Question 14

The marketing group needs to put its decision into operation, but first has to prove to others in the company that it is realistic and workable. It should present the solution

A) in a slow and nonthreatening manner.
B) in the very best possible light with no downsides.
C) in an environment that supports groupthink.
D) in a very direct and bold way.

Question 15

One environmentalist on the oil spill team shows great competence, strong moral character, clear vision, dynamic energy, and a charismatic personality, so her peers naturally look up to her. She would make a good leader based on the

A) transformational approach.
B) functional approach.
C) situational approach.
D) traits approach.

Question 16

You are asked handle the written and oral reports from your group's findings. It is best to

A) construct the written report as you would construct a term paper.
B) distribute the written report to the media after presenting the oral report.
C) realize that these reports are entirely different from informative or persuasive speeches.
D) take the written report and read it aloud as the oral report.

Question 17

Which classification of group roles is generally thought of as counterproductive or even dysfunctional?

A) group building roles
B) individual roles
C) group task roles
D) interpersonal roles

Question 18

The legal team is putting together an agenda, or "to do" list, to clearly identify what needs to be done. This is a perfect example of what happens in the _____ stage of small group interactions.

A) feedforward
B) feedback
C) business
D) opening

Question 19

Twelve people have one characteristic in common - they are all gay parents - which allows them to assist each other in coping with specific problems they confront in society. They have organized a(n)

A) consciousness-raising group.
B) encounter group.
C) assertiveness training group.
D) intervention group.

Question 20

"It will take too long." "It's too complicated." "It won't work." "It's a crazy idea." These comments heard in a brainstorming group are examples of

A) flame baiters.
B) freewheelers.
C) interventions.
D) idea killers.

Question 21

What are the three broad classifications of roles in groups? Choose one classification, define it, and identify several roles that fall under it.

Question 22

A round table on gun safety is planned. This format calls for two parts: a prepared speech by a leading expert, and a response from other knowledgeable individuals with differing opinions.

Question 23

What are personal growth groups? Identify several subtypes, and explain their purpose.

Question 24

The definition of leadership has changed over the years. At one time, leaders were defined as those who control others, but today they are defined as those who merely influence others.

Question 25

A woman who always pulls rank and reminds others that she's been there the longest is playing the role of recognition seeker in the group.

Question 26

A team is a type of small group that serves both professional and social functions, has a constantly changing membership, and meets informally with no particular tasks or agendas.

Question 27

In the proceedings of a symposium or team presentation, it is best to provide clear _____ between various presentations.

Question 28

A neighborhood watch group reflects on what it has done, what remains to be done, and how well it has performed so far. It is at the _____ stage in small group interaction.

Question 29

Success is likely when leaders encourage _____ by stressing positives, paying compliments, recognizing accomplishments, and making the experience pleasant and rewarding.

Question 30

Identify at least three of the primary leadership approaches. Choose one and explain the thinking behind it. Then name as many leadership skills as you can.

Question 31

Briefly, what is brainstorming, and why does it work? What are the four rules for brainstorming groups, and which is most difficult to follow?

Question 32

In a(n) _____, a leader or interviewer gathers a sample of individuals to discover the beliefs, attitudes, thoughts, and feelings that people generally have about an issue or product.

Question 33

Although members may not criticize a particular idea during the actual brainstorming phase, they may extend it, embellish it, or combine it with other ideas.

Question 34

List several guidelines for presenting a group's thinking to others. You may include general tactics for discussing the solution, as well as specific tips for speaking in panels and symposiums.

Question 35

When summarizing your group's ideas for others, it is best to offer them tentatively, in case they are ultimately shown to be impractical or unworkable.

Question 36

In groups, the roles we play fall under three broad classifications. Those that nourish interpersonal relationships and social exchanges are called group _____ roles.

Question 37

Members of a focus group realize it is the most demanding kind of group, because they all must be informed about the issue, must understand group communication techniques, and must adhere to strict procedural rules.

Question 38

Being "group oriented" calls for participation and cooperation, but not abandoning personal beliefs or values. In fact, individuality with a group orientation is most effective.

Question 39

Briefly define group norms and the way they influence members. Then demonstrate how cultural norms affect expectations and behaviors when American groups interact with groups of other cultures.

Question 40

Probably the best examples of virtual groups created for relationship purposes are _____.