Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

According to the DeGraff model cited in the text, incubation refers to the process of stepping back and allowing time for new ideas to emerge, rather than pursuing quick results.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

When defining the problem, the priority should be on identifying the root cause of the problem, not just the symptoms. Understanding the underlying cause is essential for developing effective solutions.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

This is a common problem in managerial decision making known as "narrow framing," where decision makers evaluate each alternative as it is presented rather than considering a range of alternatives and their potential outcomes. This can limit creativity and result in suboptimal solutions.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

It is possible that the boss is thinking or processing ideas during this time, but others may assume he is not working due to their own biases or assumptions about what work looks like. Therefore, those who criticize him may be falling prey to the conceptual block of bias against thinking.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Compression is a conceptual block that occurs when we reduce complex ideas or concepts into oversimplified forms, leading to inappropriate assumptions that can inhibit problem solutions.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

When others are involved in the solution process, they feel a sense of ownership and investment in the solution. This helps to build support and decrease resistance as they are more likely to see the value and benefits of the solution. Involving others can also lead to a more comprehensive solution as different perspectives and ideas are considered.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

The answer of The analytical problem-solving model works best when...

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

The answer of The analytical problem-solving model would be the...

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Conceptual blocks can hinder problem-solving abilities by limiting the way problems are perceived and the solutions that are considered relevant.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Constancy in conceptual blocks refers to the inability to consider change or think outside the current frame of reference. Lateral thinking, however, is a method specifically designed to break free from traditional patterns and encourage innovative thinking, thus it is not an example of constancy. Similarly, being limited to only one thinking language restricts creativity and problem-solving, which is an example of constancy, not a counterexample.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Feedback is important in evaluating the effectiveness of a solution and identifying areas for improvement. It allows for continuous improvement and refinement of the solution to better meet the needs of the user or the problem being addressed.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Finding commonalities can help to identify similarities and relationships, leading to new perspectives and solutions.

Question 13

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

Effective, creative problem solvers are less constrained in both defining the problem and developing solutions, which sets them apart from others who may be more limited in their approach.

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

Susan should have provided reasoning and evidence for why she believes the solution will work instead of just stating her opinion. Effective evaluation of alternative solutions requires unbiased analysis and weighing of pros and cons, not simply settling on a solution that "seems okay for now."

Question 15

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 16

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

Accepted Answer

A good problem definition should include only factual information, which can be verified and supported by evidence. Speculative information, on the other hand, involves making assumptions or guesses about the problem at hand, which can lead to flawed or inaccurate problem-solving strategies.

Question 17

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.

Accepted Answer

The authors of the text state that many people believe creativity is only about "generating new ideas" and this narrow understanding can make problem-solving more difficult.

Question 18

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.

Accepted Answer

Effective teamwork involves building on each other's ideas and generating alternatives that are consistent with the organization's goals. Therefore, if your team is consistently developing these types of solutions, it can be considered an effective and productive team.

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

Imagination involves using creative and innovative thinking to come up with imaginative solutions to problems. This can involve breakthroughs, out-of-the-box thinking, and radical approaches that may not have been considered otherwise. Therefore, the statement is true.

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

When evaluating alternatives, one should consider not only meeting organizational goals but also ethical, legal, and social implications, sustainability, and potential impacts on stakeholders.

Quiz 3: Solving Problems Analytically and Creatively