Exam 9: Problem Solving and Decision Making in Groups: Theoretical Perspectives
The advantage groups usually have over individuals in making decisions on complex issues comes more from the combined knowledge of the members than from the interaction process.
False
List the four phases in the decision-making cycle theorized by Fisher, and describe the major content of discussion during each phase.
The four phases in the decision-making cycle theorized by Fisher are orientation, conflict, emergence, and reinforcement.
1. Orientation: During this phase, the group members gather information, define the problem, and establish the goals for the decision-making process. The major content of discussion in this phase includes identifying the issue at hand, understanding the context and background of the problem, and setting the parameters for the decision-making process.
2. Conflict: In this phase, group members openly discuss their differing viewpoints and opinions on the issue. The major content of discussion in this phase involves debating the various options and potential solutions, as well as addressing any disagreements or conflicts that arise among the group members.
3. Emergence: During this phase, the group begins to reach a consensus and develop a preferred solution. The major content of discussion in this phase includes evaluating the pros and cons of each option, exploring alternative solutions, and working towards a unified decision that best addresses the problem at hand.
4. Reinforcement: In the final phase, the group members solidify their decision and develop a plan for implementation. The major content of discussion in this phase involves finalizing the details of the chosen solution, outlining the steps for implementation, and addressing any potential challenges or obstacles that may arise during the execution of the decision.
According to your authors, why do groups need structure?
B
Rules about decision making affect the quality of choices made by a small group.
Evaluating information from the World Wide Web poses unique problems. The authors suggest evaluation criteria including
The statement, "The best place to spend a vacation is in the snowy mountains," is an example of
To claim that public executions would reduce violent crimes in the United States because public executions have reduced violent crimes in Syria would be a valid analogy.
The ______________ states that the communicative actions of group members determine decision-making and problem-solving performance.
Gouran, Hirokawa, and their associates determined that groups must meet what five fundamental task requirements?
At their best, groups achieve an _________________ in which the decision is qualitatively and quantitatively better than the best individual judgment of any one member.
In an attempt to maintain cohesion, Jana doesn't voice her disagreement with the decision being made. As a result, a poor solution is implemented. Jana's group is a victim of ___________.
Standards against which to evaluate the various options are criteria?
During the _________________________ phase of Fisher's Model of Group Phases, members develop a shared understanding of their task, the facts about available options, and how to interpret them.
A conjunctive tasks occurs when each member possesses information relevant to solving a problem, but no one member has all the needed information.
______________ is the systematic examination of information and ideas on the basis of evidence and logical reasoning.
_________________ suggests that as members get to know each other's values, they want to appear "correct" and may exaggerate opinions in the direction they believe the group values positively.
Which characteristics of members enhance the quality of group outputs?
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