Deck 9: Problem Solving in Groups

Question 1

Groupmemberswho say"Itjustfeelslike the rightthingtodo"aremostlikely usingthe decision-making style.

A)rational
B)intuitive
C)dependent
D)avoidant
E)spontaneous

Answer 1

B

Question 2

A company's recycling taskforce is composed of 15 members.If the task force makes decisions based on a consensus,how many members must be in favor of the group decision?

A)5
B)7
C)8
D)10
E)15

Answer 2

E

Question 3

Which of the five prerequisites for group decision making and problem solving requires a collective group process that calls for thoughtful arguments,critical listening,and civility?

A)A Clear goal
B)Quality Content
C)Structured Procedures
D)Commitment to Deliberation
E)Collaborative Communication Climate

Answer 3

D

Question 4

There are 12members inyour group.Howmanymembersmustbe infavor ofa proposalwhen deciding by authority rule?

A)1
B)6
C)7
D)10
E)12

Question 5

All of the following guidelines help a group achieve consensus EXCEPT

A)get everyone involved in the discussion.
B)welcome differences ofopinion.
C)listen carefullyto othermembers.
D)use techniques such astradingone decisionforanother.
E)don't be stubborn and argue onlyforyourown position.

Question 6

"Is it inappropriateand in considerate for parents to bring their children to work when they can't get a baby sitter or their day care center closes for a day?" This group discussion question represents a question of

A)policy.
B)procedure.
C)fact.
D)conjecture.
E)value.

Question 7

As a decision-making method,voting works best when

A)a group isnotpressed fortime.
B)an issueis highlycontroversial.
C)a group issmallenough tomake vote countingeasy.
D)there is no otherwayto breaka deadlock.
E)the group usuallyuses votingto make decisions.

Question 8

"How many of our company's employees rely on a baby sitter or daycare provider to watch their children during the work day?" This group discussion question represents a question of

A)policy.
B)procedure.
C)fact.
D)conjecture.
E)value.

Question 9

"Who will be the next student government president?" This discussion question represents a question of

A)policy.
B)procedure.
C)fact.
D)conjecture.
E)value.

Question 10

Problem solving occurs when a group

A)reaches a conclusion.
B)passes judgmenton an issue under consideration.
C)develops a plan for reducing or eliminating the harmful effects of a problem.
D)chooses amongalternatives.
E)analyzes the history,causes,and effects of a problem.

Question 11

Asking if there are 3,487 steps to the top of the Statue of Liberty is a question of

A)fact.
B)value.
C)policy.
D)procedure.
E)conjecture.

Question 12

A Congressional debate on a bill to increase penalties for fraud committed by business CEOs is a question of

A)fact.
B)value.
C)policy.
D)procedure.
E)conjecture.

Question 13

Which of the following answers is a signs of a false consensus?

A)Every group member agrees to support a decision oraction.
B)In order to avoid disagreement and conflict,group members agree on a common decision.
C)In order to achieve consensus,all group members take part in shaping a decision.
D)A decision is made that avoids a win/loss vote.
E)Consensus presents a united front to outsiders.

Question 14

In a collaborative environment,group members agree to the following EXCEPT:

A)We willlistento allpoints ofview.
B)We willaskforfacts andopinions.
C)We willacknowledge personalagendas.
D)We willbetough on issues,but not on another.
E)We willbe express our personal biases.

Question 15

Group communication scholar Marshall Scott Poole claims that __________ is/are "the heart of group work [and] the most powerfultools we have to improve the conduct of meetings/"

A)A Clear goal
B)Quality Content
C)Structured Procedures
D)Commitment to Deliberation
E)Collaborative Communication Climate

Question 16

Asking whether the drinking age will be lowered to 18 is a question of

A)fact.
B)value.
C)policy.
D)procedure.
E)conjecture.

Question 17

Which of the five prerequisites for group decision making and problem solving is highlighted in the following research finding: A group's ability to gather and retain a wide range of information is the single most important determinant of high-quality decision making?

A)A Clear goal
B)Quality Content
C)Structured Procedures
D)Commitment to Deliberation
E)Collaborative Communication Climate

Question 18

General criteria that should be considered when evaluating apotential solutiontoa problem include each of the following EXCEPT

A)is the solution reasonable?
B)is the solution supported byconsensus?
C)are there resources to implement the solution?
D)is there enough time to implement the solution?
E)does the solution protect the group's values?

Question 19

Acompany'srecycling taskforce gatheredinformationonvarious recycling programs andmet severaltimestochoosewhich programwouldbestsuitthe needsofthe company.The group's recommendationwaspresentedtothe company'svice presidentofoperations,whoultimately chose a programother thanthe one recommendedby thetaskforce.Whichmethodofdecision makingwas usedinthis situation?

A)Authorityrule
B)Consensus
C)Majority vote
D)Minorityrule
E)2/3 vote

Question 20

"How can the company assist employees with their child care needs?" This group discussion question represents a question of

A)policy.
B)procedure.
C)fact.
D)conjecture.
E)value.

Question 21

Which of the following is the stage of the creative problem solving process in which group members gather information and attempt to understand the nature and cause(s)of a problem?

A)Investigation
B)Imagination
C)Incubation
D)Insight
E)Interrogation

Question 22

Was developedby DelbecqandVan de Venas away ofmaximizing participationinproblem-solving andprogram-planning groupswhileminimizing some ofthe interpersonalproblems associatedwithgroupinteraction.

A)The Standard Agenda
B)Brainstorming
C)The DOT Method
D)NominalGroupTechnique
E)Single Question Format

Question 23

One of the reasons groups are often reluctant to think creatively is that they have preconceived notions about what can and can't be done.In such cases,your group may want to try the _______ method of enhancing creativity.

A)controljudgment
B)ask "whatif?"
C)encourage innovation
D)use metaphors
E)use imitation

Question 24

Which if the following is the stage of the creative problem solving process in which group members engage in free thinking by removing procedural and mental road blocks?

A)Investigation
B)Imagination
C)Incubation
D)Insight
E)Interrogation

Question 25

As a problem-solving method,brainstorming is highly effective because

A)extroverts can be relied on to produce a large number of ideas and suggestions.
B)members have time to write down their suggestions before sharing them.
C)some members may be reluctant to openly share ideas that others may dislike.
D)it can enhance group morale,create a support climate,and is easy to do.
E)produces more creative ideas than any other problem-solving method.

Question 26

There are several problem-solving realities that can prevent a group from working effectively and ethically.For example,if members resist or dismiss information that doesn't mesh with their personal inclinations and attitudes,what problem-solving reality may impair group effectiveness?

A)Politics
B)Preexisting preferences
C)Power
D)Procedural paralysis
E)Polychronics

Question 27

Whichofthefollowing problem-solving proceduresis basedonJohnDewey's Reflective ThinkingProcess?

A)The Progressive Problem Solving Method
B)The Single Question Format
C)NominalGroupTechnique
D)Brainstorming
E)FunctionalTheory

Question 28

DuringPhase 1(Idea Generation)ofNominalGroup Technique,

A)members explain their support or nonsupport for each item.
B)members,in turn,present one idea from their privately written list.
C)members discuss the merits of each idea before voting occurs.
D)members vote by ranking or rating ideas privately and in writing.
E)the group decision is the mathematically pooled outcome of members' individualvotes.

Question 29

Identify the first three steps in the Progressive Problem-Solving Method.

A)Fact finding and issue analysis,task clarification,solution criteria
B)Task clarification,problem identification,fact finding and issue analysis
C)Solution criteria and limitation,solution options and evaluation,solution selection
D)Solution options,solution criteria,fact finding and issue analysis
E)Problem identification,problem solution,problem implementation

Question 30

Which of the following items is most likely to explain why some groups do not like or use structured problem-solving procedures?

A)increasedtime and effort.
B)balancedparticipation.
C)conflictresolution.
D)organization.
E)group empowerment.

Question 31

Consider using the Decreasing Options Technique (DOT)when

A)the group is small,with no more than seven members.
B)members cannot generate many ideas or solutions.
C)the group wants to hear from expert and influential members.
D)the group wants to ensure equal opportunities for input by all members.
E)the group has plenty of time to discuss multiple or controversial ideas.

Question 32

Researchers investigating the usefulness of brain storming and Nominal Group Technique conclude that Nominal Group Technique (NGT)works better for generating ideas for all of the following reasons EXCEPT

A)waiting to speakin brain storming may disrupt the thinking process.
B)members in brainstorming sessions produce fewer ideas than NGTgroups.
C)members who fear evaluation may not be willing to contribute ideas.
D)members who make more contributions in brainstorming may earn high status and influence.
E)members may loaf and let others do all the thinking and talking.

Question 33

The major advantage and reason for using the DOT method is that it

A)focuses on preparation,competence,and communication functions.
B)requires members to analyze questions offact,value,conjecture,and policy.
C)reduces and refinesa large number of suggestions into a manageable number of ideas.
D)relies on the creativity of all members.
E)avoids negative evaluationand criticism of ideas and solutions.

Question 34

Groupsmemberswho say"Ifyouthinkit's okay,thenI'lldo it"aremostlikely usingthe decision-making style.

A)rational
B)intuitive
C)dependent
D)avoidant
E)spontaneous

Question 35

Which is the correct order of the four steps in the Decreasing Options Technique?

A)Generate ideas,post ideas,sort ideas,dot ideas
B)Dot ideas,sort ideas,post ideas,generate ideas
C)Generate ideas,post ideas,dot ideas,sort ideas
D)Post ideas,generate ideas,dot ideas,sort ideas
E)Post ideas,generate ideas,sort ideas,dot ideas

Question 36

Which of the following is the stage of the creative problem solving process in which group members recognize a breakthrough and work to build up on or improve an idea?

A)Investigation
B)Imagination
C)Incubation
D)Insight
E)Interrogation

Question 37

Your group needs to come upwitha discussion topic for a class assignment.The group works together,suggesting as many topics as possible.Members welcome all ideas and do not criticize the suggestions of othermembers.Which method is the group using?

A)Decreased Options Technique
B)Majority Rule
C)Brainstorming
D)Consensus seeking
E)Nominal Group Technique

Question 38

Whichdecision-making style ismostliketheMyers-Briggs's personality traitof thinker?

A)Rational
B)Intuitive
C)Dependent
D)Avoidant
E)Spontaneous

Question 39

Group members who say"Let's do it now and worry about the consequences later" aremost likely using the decision-making style.

A)rational
B)intuitive
C)dependent
D)avoidant
E)spontaneous

Question 40

Which of the following is the stage of the creative problem solving process in which group members allow for a period of time to reflect on ideas in new ways?

A)Investigation
B)Imagination
C)Incubation
D)Insight
E)Interrogation

Question 41

Creating a collaborative climate in groups that make decisions and solve problems requires thoughtful arguments,critical listening,civility,and informed decision making.

Question 42

Many groups fall short of achieving their common goal because they believe the group must reach consensus on all group decisions.

Question 43

A question of value asks whether something good or bad will or will not happen.

Question 44

Voting works best when a group is pressed for time and the issue is not highly controversial.

Question 45

Decision making and problem solving are the same.

Question 46

As a rule,group problem solving generates more ideas and produces better solutions to complex problems.

Question 47

There are several problem-solving realities that can prevent a group from working effectively and ethically.For example,a group of staff members requests more freedom to decide how they will work on assigned projects rather than following the strict rules and instructions of their manager.In this particular case,___________may discourage and demoralize a strong group of workers.

A)politics
B)preexisting preferences
C)power
D)organizational culture
E)confirmation bias

Question 48

There are several problem-solving realities that can prevent a group from working effectively and ethically.For example,a member who strongly supports a particular applicant to fill an opening in the group may discount or minimize reports about the applicant's disruptive behavior in other others groups.In this particular case,___________may negatively affect group's selection of a new member.

A)politics
B)preexisting preferences
C)power
D)organizational culture
E)confirmation bias

Question 49

A question of conjecture asks whether something is

Question 50

False consensus occurs when members give in to group pressure or an external authority and accept a decision that they do not entirely like or support.

Question 51

Consensus occurs when the majority of group members agree to support a decision or action.

Question 52

One of the factors that makes the Single Question Format of group problem solving unique is its focus on politics,preexisting preference,and power.

Question 53

Most groups make decisions but may not solve problems.

Question 54

The process of decision making requires a group to analyze a problem,debate pros and cons,and select and implement a solution.

Question 55

When your group is trying to reach consensus,you should not agree to a decision or solution you adamantly dislike and can't possibly support.

Question 56

Decision making results in a position,judgment,or action.

Question 57

There are several problem-solving realities that can prevent a group from working effectively and ethically.For example,a strong and stubborn leader can lead group members off on tangents and irrelevant discussions that have nothing to do with the group's goal.In this particular case,______ will likely affect the outcome of every decision and problem the group confronts.

A)politics
B)preexisting preferences
C)power
D)procedural paralysis
E)polychronics

Question 58

There are several problem-solving realities that can prevent a group from working effectively and ethically.For example,a member may side with a group leader into order to gain the leader's attention and backing.In this particular case,____ will likely affect the outcome of every decision and problem the group confronts.

A)politics
B)preexisting preferences
C)power
D)organizational culture
E)confirmation bias

Question 59

Voting is the easiest and best way to make a group decision.

Question 60

A question of policy asks whether something will or will not happen.

Question 61

The Progressive Problem-Solving Method is based on John Dewey's Reflective Thinking Process.

Question 62

"Just about everyone supports Don as the new association president,so I guess it would be best for me and the group if I did the same" describes the thought process of a dependent decision maker.

Question 63

Brainstorming is based on the assumption that the quantity of ideas and output breed quality.

Question 64

The Decreasing Options Technique (DOT)is a decision-making tool that helps groups reduce and refine a large number of suggestions into a manageable number of ideas.

Question 65

During the idea generation phase of the Nominal Group Technique (NGT),group members work separately from the rest of the group.

Question 66

In a brainstorming session,the group should assign someone to write down the group's ideas rather than asking each member to write down all the group's ideas.

Question 67

A basic principle of brainstorming is that deferring judgment and withholding immediate criticisms improves the quality of input.

Question 68

Studies of brainstorming and Nominal Group Technique (NGT)have found that Nominal Group Technique (NGT)often works better for generating ideas that are both numerous and creative.

Question 69

The Nominal Group Technique (NGT)is structured so that all group members have the opportunity to share ideas and know that their ideas will be considered by the group as a whole.

Question 70

The DOT method works best when a group has generated a significant number of competing ideas and wants to restrain dominant members from exerting too much influence.

Question 71

Brainstorming is based on several models including John Dewey's Reflective Thinking Process.

Question 72

The steps in the Decreasing Options Technique should be taken in the following order: generate ideas,sort ideas,post ideas,dot the ideas.

Question 73

"It feels like the right thing to do" describes the thought process of a dependent decision maker.

Question 74

Nominal Group Technique is a way of minimizing participation in problem solving and maximizing interpersonal interaction and debate.

Question 75

In a Nominal Group Technique (NGT)session,each group member writes down his or her ideas before sharing them with others.

Question 76

Decreasing Options Technique (DOT)is a brainstorming technique intended primarily to generate more ideas.

Question 77

"All Input,No Putdown" is a characteristic of the Nominal Group Technique (NGT).

Question 78

"I can't support Donna as the new association president because I haven't had the time or information I need look at and analyze her qualifications,character,and campaign statements" describes the thought process of a rational decision maker.

Question 79

Authority rule rarely has detrimental effects on a group.

Question 80

Nominal Group Technique (NGT)is a decision-making tool that helps groups reduce and refine a large number of suggestions into a manageable number of ideas.