CMST 2064 Ch. 9
The steps in the Decreasing Options Technique should be taken in the following order: generate ideas, sort ideas, post ideas, dot the ideas.
F
Voting is the best way to make group decisions.
F
When a group reaches consensus there is 100% agreement with the decision.
F
One way of encouraging creativity is to encourage innovation and discourage problem solving through instruction and imitation.
T
Politics can impair group problem when, for example, a member who wants to get ahead is reluctant to oppose an idea supported by the boss.
T
Problem solving groups rarely focus on a single type of question.
T
Studies of brainstorming and Nominal Group Technique have found that Nominal Group Technique often works better for generating ideas that are both numerous and creative.
T
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.
T
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.
T
The Functional Approach to group problem solving claims that communication is the instrument groups use to reach decisions and generate solutions.
T
The Functional Approach to group problem solving is based on several models including John Dewey's Reflective Thinking Process.
T
The Standard Agenda requires group members to follow 7 steps that begin with task clarification and end with solution suggestions.
F
"How can the company assist employees with their childcare needs?" This group discussion question represents a question of a. policy. b. procedure. c. fact. d. conjecture. e. value.
A
A company's recycling task force gathered information on various recycling programs and met several times to choose which program would best suit the needs of the company. The group's recommendation was presented to the company's vice president of operations, who ultimately chose a program other than the one recommended by the task force. Which method of decision making was used in this situation? a. authority rule b. consensus c. majority vote d. minority ru
A
All of the following benefits can result when a group uses structured problem-solving procedures effectively EXCEPT: a. increased time and effort. b. balanced participation. c. conflict resolution. d. organization. e. group empowerment.
A
All of the following statements describe decision making in groups EXCEPT a. Groups usually take less time to make a decision than an individual working alone. b. A group generates more ideas than an individual working alone. c. Groups generally produce better decisions than individuals. d. all of the above e. None of the above.
A
In their book, Decision Making Styles, Suzanne Scott and Reginald Bruce look at 5 decision-making styles. Which of these styles is most like the Myers-Briggs's personality trait of thinker? a. rational b. intuitive c. dependent d. avoidant e. spontaneous
A
There are 12 members in your group. How many members must be in favor of a proposal when deciding by authority rule? a. 1 b. 6 c. 7 d. 10 e. 12
A
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. pre-existing preferences c. power d. procedural paralysis e. polychronics
A
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
A
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
A
Which of the following problem-solving procedures is based on John Dewey's Reflective Thinking Process? a. the Standard Agenda b. the Single Question Format c. Nominal Group Technique d. brainstorming e. Functional Theory
A
The process of decision making requires a group to analyze a problem, debate pros and cons, and select and implement a solution.
F
All of the following steps are part of the Standard Agenda format for group problem solving EXCEPT: a. task clarification b. establishment of procedure c. problem identification d. fact finding e. solution suggestions
B
During Phase 1 (Idea Generation) of Nominal Group 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' individual votes.
B
Group members who say "Let's do it now and worry about the consequences later" are most likely using the __________ decision-making style. a. rational b. intuitive c. dependent d. avoidant e. spontaneous
E
General criteria that should be considered when evaluating a solution to a problem include each of the following EXCEPT: a. Is the solution reasonable? b. Is the solution supported by consensus? 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?
B
In their book, Decision Making Styles, Suzanne Scott and Reginald Bruce look at 5 decision-making styles. Group members who say "It just feels like the right thing to do" are most likely using the __________ decision-making style. a. rational b. intuitive c. dependent d. avoidant e. spontaneous
B
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. control judgment b. ask "what if?" c. encourage innovation d. use metaphors e. use imitation
B
Researchers investigating the usefulness of brainstorming 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 speak in brainstorming may disrupt the thinking process. b. members in brainstorming sessions produce fewer ideas than NGT groups. 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.
B
The first 3 steps in the Single Question Format for problem solving are a. analyze the issues, identify the problem, identify possible solutions. b. identify the problem, create a collaborative setting, analyze the issues. c. create a collaborative setting, analyze the issues, identify the problem. d. analyze the issues, identify possible solutions, answer the single questions. e. task clarification, fact finding, solution selection
B
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. pre-existing preferences c. power d. procedural paralysis e. polychronics
B
What are the signs of a false consensus? a. Every group member agrees to support a decision or action. 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.
B
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 roadblocks? a. investigation b. imagination c. incubation d. insight e. interrogation
B
"How many of our company employees hire a daycare provider to watch their children during the workday?" This group discussion question represents a question of a. policy. b. procedure. c. fact. d. conjecture. e. value.
C
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.
C
All of the following answers represent basic stages in the development of group creativity EXCEPT: a. investigation. b. imagination. c. interpretation. d. incubation. e. insight
C
In a collaborative setting group members agree to the following EXCEPT: a. we will listen to all points of view b. we will ask for facts and opinions c. we will acknowledge personal agendas d. we will be tough on issues e. we will be supportive of one another
C
In their book, Decision Making Styles, Suzanne Scott and Reginald Bruce look at 5 decision-making styles. Groups members who say "If you think it's okay, then I'll do it" are most likely using the __________ decision-making style. a. rational b. intuitive c. dependent d. avoidant e. spontaneous
C
Problem solving occurs when a group a. reaches a conclusion. b. passes judgment on an issue under consideration. c. develops a plan for reducing or eliminating the harmful effects of a problem. d. chooses among alternatives. e. analyzes the history, causes, and effects of a problem.
C
The first 3 steps in the Standard Agenda format of group problem solving are a. problem identification, fact finding, solution evaluation and selection. b. problem identification, task clarification, solution implementation. c. task clarification, problem identification, fact finding. d. fact finding, problem identification, task clarification. e. fact finding, solution criteria, solution selection.
C
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 of fact, value, conjecture, and policy. c. helps reduce and refine a large number of suggestions into a manageable number of ideas. d. relies on the creativity of all members. e. helps avoid negative evaluation and criticism of ideas and solutions.
C
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. pre-existing preferences c. power d. procedural paralysis e. polychronics
C
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
C
Your group needs to come up with a 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 other members. Which decision-making method is the group using? a. the Functional Approach b. the Single Question Format c. brainstorming d. consensus seeking e. Nominal Group Technique
C
"Is it appropriate for parents to bring their children to work when they can't get a babysitter or their daycare center closes for a day?" This group discussion question represents a question of a. policy. b. procedure. c. fact. d. conjecture. e. value.
E
"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.
D
All of the following are considered guidelines for effective brainstorming EXCEPT: a. Evaluate ideas only at the end. b. Post the ideas for all to see. c. Wait awhile for group members to think before starting the brainstorming. d. Avoid combining ideas. e. Do not praise other members' ideas as they're suggested.
D
All of the following guidelines help a group achieve consensus EXCEPT: a. Get everyone involved in the discussion. b. Welcome differences of opinion. c. Listen carefully to other members. d. Use techniques such as trading one decision for another. e. Don't be stubborn and argue only for your own position.
D
As a decision-making method, voting works best when a. a group is not pressed for time. b. an issue is highly controversial. c. a group is small enough to make vote counting easy. d. there is no other way to break a deadlock. e. the group usually uses voting to make decisions.
D
Consider using the Decreasing Options Technique (DOT) when a. the group is small, with no more than 7 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.
D
In their book, Decision Making Styles, Suzanne Scott and Reginald Bruce look at five decision making styles. Group members who say "I just can't deal with this right now" are most likely using the __________ decision-making style. a. rational b. intuitive c. dependent d. avoidant e. spontaneous
D
Which of the following characteristics makes the Single Question Format different compared to the Standard Agenda? a. It focuses on decision making and creativity. b. It focuses on the competent performance of each problem-solving phase. c. It focuses on task clarification solution implementation. d. It focuses on goal clarity and cultivating a supportive communication climate. e. It focuses on seeking consensus and avoiding false consensus
D
Which of the following is the stage of the creative problem solving process in which group members recognize a breakthrough and work to build upon or improve an idea? a. investigation b. imagination c. incubation d. insight e. interrogation
D
_______________ was developed by Delbecq and Van de Ven as a way of maximizing participation in problem-solving and program-planning groups while minimizing some of the interpersonal problems associated with group interaction. a. The Standard Agenda b. Brainstorming c. The DOT Method d. Nominal Group Technique e. Single Question Format
D
A company's recycling task force 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
E
In what way is Functional Theory different than the Standard Agenda method of problem solving? a. Competent performance of each function is more important than performing the function in an exact order. b. Functional Theory recognizes that group goals and unspoken assumptions can affect the choice of solutions. c. Functional Theory emphasizes the group's ability to recognize and understand both the pros and cons when considering a solution. d. Communication is the instrument used, with varying degrees of success, to reach decisions and generate solutions. e. All of the above.
E
The Functional Theory approach to problem solving focuses on a. giving group members a chance to hear and understand the opinions and needs of others. b. planning and coordinating the many steps needed to carry out a solution or agreed-upon action. c. allowing ideas to be generated by individuals working alone rather than emerging from group interaction. d. generating as many ideas as possible in a short period of time. e. preparation, competence, and communication.
E
Voting works best when a. a group is pressed for time. b. the issue is not highly controversial. c. a group is too large for any other method. d. there are no other alternatives to break a deadlock. e. All of the above
E
"All Input, No Putdown" is a characteristic of the Nominal Group Technique (NGT).
F
"It just feels like the right thing to do" describes the thought process of a dependent decision maker.
F
A question of conjecture asks whether something is true or false.
F
A question of policy asks whether something will or will not happen.
F
A question of value asks whether something good or bad will or will not happen.
F
An important element of the creative problem solving process is to be judgmental of ideas
F
Brainstorming is based on several models including John Dewey's Reflective Thinking Process.
F
Consensus occurs when the majority of group members agree to support a decision or action.
F
DOT is a brainstorming technique intended primarily to generate more ideas
F
Decision making and problem solving are the same.
F
Each step of the Functional Approach to group problem solving should be completed in order.
F
Groups should ignore the fact that members may have preexisting preferences about what a group should do.
F
Nominal Group Technique is a decision-making tool that helps groups reduce and refine a large number of suggestions into a manageable number of ideas.
F
Nominal Group Technique is a way of minimizing participation in problem solving and maximizing interpersonal interaction and debate.
F
One of the factors that makes the Single Question Format of group problem solving unique is its focus on identifying and analyzing possible solutions.
F
Research has identified the Standard Agenda approach as the most effective problem-solving model.
F
The 3 creative problem-solving methods described in your textbook are the Single Question Format, brainstorming, and consensus seeking.
F
The Preparation Function in the Functional Approach to problem solving requires that group members establish and use agreed-upon criteria to evaluate possible solutions.
F
"It feels like the right thing to do" describes the thought process of an intuitive decision maker.
T
A basic principle of brainstorming is that deferring judgment improves the quality of input.
T
Adding a visual component to the group decision-making process enhances both the efficiency and effectiveness of group work.
T
As a rule, group problem solving generates more ideas and produces better solutions to complex problems.
T
Brainstorming is based n the assumption that quantity of ideas and output breeds quality.
T
Creativity requires the nonjudgmental process of searching for, separating, and connecting unrelated ideas and elements
T
Decision making results in a position, judgment, or action.
T
During the fact-finding step of the Standard Agenda, members must answer questions such as "How serious or widespread is the problem?" and "What are the causes of the problem?"
T
During the idea generation phase of the Nominal Group Technique group members work separately from the rest of the group.
T
False consensus occurs when members give in to group pressure and accept a decision they do not like or support.
T
False consensus occurs when members give in to group pressure.
T
In a Nominal Group Technique (DOT) session, each group member writes down his or her ideas before sharing them with others.
T
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.
T
In virtual groups, all types of technology are not equally suited to all types of group interaction.
T
Metaphors can help members explain, understand, guide, and direct creative thinking in ways they would not have thought of otherwise.
T
Most groups make decisions but may not solve problems.
T
One of the factors that makes the Single Question Format of group problem solving unique is its focus on goal clarity and issue analysis.
T
One of the factors that makes the Single Question Format of group problem solving unique is its focus on creating a collaborative communication climate.
T
The Functional Theory Approach to problem solving emphasizes that group members must identify the resources and research necessary for making a decision before selecting appropriate procedures for developing an effective solution.
T
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.
T
The Standard Agenda is based on John Dewey's Reflective Thinking Process
T
Voting is the easiest and most obvious way to make a group decision.
T
Voting works best when a group is pressed for time and the issues is not highly controversial
T
When a group uses creativity to enhance problem solving, insight represents the "aha" moment that occurs when a new approach or solution emerges.
T
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.
T
