Question 1

As a supervisor,you comment,"I wish all employees would work without supervision." This is an example of a symbolic analogy.

Accepted Answer

A symbolic analogy involves comparing two different things that share a common characteristic, while the statement is simply expressing a wish or desire without making a comparison.

Question 2

Which is best when generating alternatives?

Accepted Answer

It is best to evaluate all alternatives after they have been proposed to ensure that all options have been considered and evaluated thoroughly. This allows for a more comprehensive analysis and comparison of the alternatives before making a decision.

Question 3

An individual who is apt to be organized,planned,and precise is an ambidextrous thinker.

Accepted Answer

An individual who is organized, planned, and precise is typically described as having a conscientious personality, not necessarily as an ambidextrous thinker. Ambidextrous thinking refers to the ability to use both sides of the brain effectively, often associated with creativity and analytical skills.

Question 4

Your computer programming boss stares out the window with his feet up for at least an hour every day.Most people think he is not working.This is an example of the conceptual block of bias against thinking.

Accepted Answer

This is because the boss's behavior is being judged based on biased assumptions about what it means to be working, leading to a conceptual block in one's thinking about the situation.

Question 5

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.

Accepted Answer

The technique of subdivision involves breaking down a problem or object into smaller parts, allowing for further exploration and identification of additional uses. Therefore, by using this technique, it is possible to determine many more alternative uses for a Ping-Pong ball beyond the initial list.

Question 6

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?

Accepted Answer

The employee's response is speculation rather than factual information, which violates the characteristic of differentiating factual information from opinion/speculation in good problem definition.

Question 7

What is the natural tendency of people in resolving problems?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the natural tendency of people...

Question 8

Having failed every traditional 3M test for adhesives,the potential of Spence Silver's unsticky glue was initially viewed as a "useless configuration of chemicals" due to traditional assumptions.To combat the conceptual block of commitment,unconventional applications,such as a better bookmark and scratch paper,had to be visualized.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Having failed every traditional 3M test for...

Question 9

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?

Accepted Answer

The proposal to offer rebates may have short-term benefits in terms of stimulating sales, but the long-term consequences have not been considered. It is important to evaluate the impact of rebates on customer behavior and the company's profitability before implementing such a strategy. Therefore, it is not advisable to implement this idea as-is without further analysis.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Allowing an individual to work alone on a problem or idea can stimulate creativity and innovative thinking, as there are no immediate distractions or pressures from others. It also provides the individual with the opportunity to freely explore and experiment with different options without the fear of being judged or criticized by others.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

The principle of compression primarily refers to reducing the size of data in computing or the process of compressing materials in physical sciences, rather than a technique for unlocking creative potential. Techniques for enhancing creativity often involve brainstorming, lateral thinking, and exposure to diverse experiences, rather than a principle named "compression."

Question 12

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.

Accepted Answer

The stage described is the incubation stage, where the problem is set aside but the mind continues to work on it subconsciously. The illumination stage is when the creative idea or solution suddenly comes to consciousness.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

The answer of The outcome is predictable,you have sufficient information,and...

Question 14

Particularistic cultures have more of a tendency toward creative solution finding.

Accepted Answer

Particularistic cultures tend to emphasize individual relationships and unique situations, which can lead to more creative problem-solving approaches. In contrast, universalistic cultures place greater emphasis on following established rules and procedures.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

Brainstorming can occur both individually and in a group setting. Individual brainstorming can also be effective as it allows for independent and diverse thinking without potential group bias or pressure.

Question 16

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.

Accepted Answer

Creative problem solvers often think outside the box and are willing to challenge assumptions and reframe the problem. They also explore a wider range of possible solutions, even if they may seem unconventional or risky. This allows them to come up with more innovative and effective solutions compared to those who stick to conventional problem-solving methods.

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Assigning a rule breaker role to an employee can encourage them to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions. This can lead to increased creativity and productivity within a team or organization.

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

The answer of This problem-solving style occurs less frequently but...

Question 19

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?

Accepted Answer

The problem was stated as part of the solution, indicating that the group did not take the time to properly analyze and evaluate possible solutions. Additionally, the decision to immediately fire employees without considering other alternatives or addressing the root cause of the absenteeism is a reactive and potentially unfair approach.

Question 20

Thinking contradictory thoughts at the same time relates to reversing the definition of a problem.

Accepted Answer

When thinking contradictory thoughts at the same time, it may be difficult to come up with a clear definition of the problem at hand. This can lead to reversing the definition, which can make it harder to find a solution.

Quiz 3: Solving Problems Analytically and Creatively