Question 1

Which of the following is clearly an absolute criterion that must be met?

Accepted Answer

A)  How well will it sell? 
B)  The band for the picnic should be able to play several kinds of music. 
C)  The new design should be more attractive than the old one. 
D)  Employees should use the suggestion system. 
E)  The employee Wellness Center must cost less than $250,000 to build. 
A)  How well will it sell? 
B)  The band for the picnic should be able to play several kinds of music. 
C)  The new design should be more attractive than the old one. 
D)  Employees should use the suggestion system. 
E)  The employee Wellness Center must cost less than $250,000 to build. E

Question 2

Explain the functional theory of effective problem solving and decision making. Discuss the three factors for effective problem solving.

Accepted Answer

The functional theory of effective problem solving and decision making is based on the idea that individuals and groups go through a series of steps to identify, analyze, and solve problems. This theory emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying causes of a problem and using a systematic approach to make decisions.

There are three key factors for effective problem solving:

1. Problem identification: The first step in effective problem solving is to clearly identify the problem. This involves understanding the symptoms of the problem, as well as the underlying causes. It is important to gather relevant information and data to fully understand the nature of the problem.

2. Problem analysis: Once the problem has been identified, the next step is to analyze it in depth. This involves breaking down the problem into its component parts, understanding the relationships between these parts, and identifying potential solutions. It is important to consider different perspectives and gather input from others to ensure a comprehensive analysis.

3. Decision making: After analyzing the problem, the next step is to make a decision on the best course of action. This involves evaluating the potential solutions, considering the potential risks and benefits, and making a choice that is likely to lead to a positive outcome. It is important to consider the long-term implications of the decision and to be open to revising the decision if new information becomes available.

Overall, the functional theory of effective problem solving emphasizes the importance of a systematic approach to problem solving and decision making, as well as the need to consider multiple perspectives and gather relevant information. By following these three factors, individuals and groups can improve their ability to effectively solve problems and make sound decisions.

Question 3

Using either-or questions during a group meeting is a very effective way to reach a solution.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False  False

Question 4

The standards and guidelines used to evaluate ideas and solutions are called _____.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The standards and guidelines used to evaluate...

Question 5

A fact-finding group's area of freedom is most likely limited to which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A)  investigating a problem, not carry out the solution 
B)  applying PERT to the solution 
C)  none of these answer is correct. 
D)  implementation of the solution 
E)  developing solution criteria 
A)  investigating a problem, not carry out the solution 
B)  applying PERT to the solution 
C)  none of these answer is correct. 
D)  implementation of the solution 
E)  developing solution criteria

Question 6

Most small problem-solving groups can define their own area of freedom.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 7

Jim began his group's problem-solving meeting with the following question, "Should our university do something about parking?" What, if anything, is wrong with this question?

Accepted Answer

A)  The question was not worded concretely. 
B)  Jim suggested the answer in the question. 
C)  The question was phrased as an "either-or" question. 
D)  Nothing is wrong with the question. 
E)  The group didn't understand the question. 
A)  The question was not worded concretely. 
B)  Jim suggested the answer in the question. 
C)  The question was phrased as an "either-or" question. 
D)  Nothing is wrong with the question. 
E)  The group didn't understand the question.

Question 8

A "problem" is the difference between what exists and what you expect or _____.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A "problem" is the difference between what...

Question 9

A _____ decision is one that all members agree is the best one they can make that is acceptable to all.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A _____ decision is one that all...

Question 10

Employees in a quality control group are excited about working on ways to improve productivity in their plant. Their excitement indicates which characteristic of problems?

Accepted Answer

A)  acceptance level 
B)  solution multiplicity 
C)  task difficulty 
D)  member familiarity 
E)  intrinsic interest 
A)  acceptance level 
B)  solution multiplicity 
C)  task difficulty 
D)  member familiarity 
E)  intrinsic interest

Question 11

Some groups experience predictable phases during the decision-making process.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 12

According to Gouran and Hirokawa, in effective decision making, group members must be willing to do all of the following EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

A)  understand the problem. 
B)  minimum requirements of a successful solution. 
C)  pressurize other members to conform. 
D)  choose a solution that meets chosen criteria. 
E)  identify and evaluate all alternatives. 
A)  understand the problem. 
B)  minimum requirements of a successful solution. 
C)  pressurize other members to conform. 
D)  choose a solution that meets chosen criteria. 
E)  identify and evaluate all alternatives.

Question 13

In the _____ technique, a facilitator introduces a topic or an issue and then asks the group members to discuss it any way they choose.

Accepted Answer

A)  buzz group 
B)  RISK 
C)  focus group discussion 
D)  PERT 
E)  brainstorming 
A)  buzz group 
B)  RISK 
C)  focus group discussion 
D)  PERT 
E)  brainstorming

Question 14

The quality of the solution to a problem will not be better than the quality of the pool of ideas a group considers.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 15

The three components of any problem are an undesirable situation, a desired goal, and _____.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The three components of any problem are...

Question 16

When a problem has high ________, you will want to make sure that your group identifies as many of those solutions as possible.

Accepted Answer

solution m

Question 17

For a group's discussion to be effective, the discussion question must be _____.

Accepted Answer

The answer of For a group's discussion to be effective,...

Question 18

The _____ is a description of how communication affects group problem solving.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The _____ is a description of how...

Question 19

The disadvantage to having groups solve problems rather than an expert is that

Accepted Answer

A)  tension and pressure to conform may interfere with critical evaluation of member-proposed solutions. 
B)  all of these answers are correct. 
C)  groups usually consume more time while solving a problem. 
D)  participation may be uneven. 
E)  there will be disagreements about the task. 
A)  tension and pressure to conform may interfere with critical evaluation of member-proposed solutions. 
B)  all of these answers are correct. 
C)  groups usually consume more time while solving a problem. 
D)  participation may be uneven. 
E)  there will be disagreements about the task.

Question 20

If a group asks its organization what form its final product is to take, for example: a report, a blueprint, or a recommendation, the group is attempting to understand its assignment, which is called a(n)

Accepted Answer

A)  function. 
B)  charge. 
C)  operating area. 
D)  freedom. 
E)  focus. 
A)  function. 
B)  charge. 
C)  operating area. 
D)  freedom. 
E)  focus.

Which of the following is clearly an absolute criterion that must be met?

Explain the functional theory of effective problem solving and decision making. Discuss the three factors for effective problem solving.

Using either-or questions during a group meeting is a very effective way to reach a solution.

The standards and guidelines used to evaluate ideas and solutions are called _____.

A fact-finding group's area of freedom is most likely limited to which of the following?

Most small problem-solving groups can define their own area of freedom.

Jim began his group's problem-solving meeting with the following question, "Should our university do something about parking?" What, if anything, is wrong with this question?

A "problem" is the difference between what exists and what you expect or _____.

A _____ decision is one that all members agree is the best one they can make that is acceptable to all.

Employees in a quality control group are excited about working on ways to improve productivity in their plant. Their excitement indicates which characteristic of problems?

Some groups experience predictable phases during the decision-making process.

According to Gouran and Hirokawa, in effective decision making, group members must be willing to do all of the following EXCEPT

In the _____ technique, a facilitator introduces a topic or an issue and then asks the group members to discuss it any way they choose.

The quality of the solution to a problem will not be better than the quality of the pool of ideas a group considers.

The three components of any problem are an undesirable situation, a desired goal, and _____.

When a problem has high ________, you will want to make sure that your group identifies as many of those solutions as possible.

For a group's discussion to be effective, the discussion question must be _____.

The _____ is a description of how communication affects group problem solving.

The disadvantage to having groups solve problems rather than an expert is that

If a group asks its organization what form its final product is to take, for example: a report, a blueprint, or a recommendation, the group is attempting to understand its assignment, which is called a(n)

Small Groups As the Heart of Society

Groups As Open Systems

Communication Principles for Group Members

Using Verbal and Nonverbal Messages in a Group

Becoming a Group

Diversity in the Small Group

Creative and Critical Thinking in the Small Group

Managing Small Group Conflict Productively

Applying Leadership Principles

Planning, Organizing, and Presenting Small Group Oral Presentations

Filters

Exam 8: Group Problem-Solving Procedures

Which of the following is clearly an absolute criterion that must be met?

Explain the functional theory of effective problem solving and decision making. Discuss the three factors for effective problem solving.

Using either-or questions during a group meeting is a very effective way to reach a solution.

The standards and guidelines used to evaluate ideas and solutions are called _____.

A fact-finding group's area of freedom is most likely limited to which of the following?

Most small problem-solving groups can define their own area of freedom.

Jim began his group's problem-solving meeting with the following question, "Should our university do something about parking?" What, if anything, is wrong with this question?

A "problem" is the difference between what exists and what you expect or _____.

A _____ decision is one that all members agree is the best one they can make that is acceptable to all.

Employees in a quality control group are excited about working on ways to improve productivity in their plant. Their excitement indicates which characteristic of problems?

Some groups experience predictable phases during the decision-making process.

According to Gouran and Hirokawa, in effective decision making, group members must be willing to do all of the following EXCEPT

In the _____ technique, a facilitator introduces a topic or an issue and then asks the group members to discuss it any way they choose.

The quality of the solution to a problem will not be better than the quality of the pool of ideas a group considers.

The three components of any problem are an undesirable situation, a desired goal, and _____.

When a problem has high ________, you will want to make sure that your group identifies as many of those solutions as possible.

For a group's discussion to be effective, the discussion question must be _____.

The _____ is a description of how communication affects group problem solving.

The disadvantage to having groups solve problems rather than an expert is that

If a group asks its organization what form its final product is to take, for example: a report, a blueprint, or a recommendation, the group is attempting to understand its assignment, which is called a(n)

Small Groups As the Heart of Society

Groups As Open Systems

Communication Principles for Group Members

Using Verbal and Nonverbal Messages in a Group

Becoming a Group

Diversity in the Small Group

Creative and Critical Thinking in the Small Group

Managing Small Group Conflict Productively

Applying Leadership Principles

Planning, Organizing, and Presenting Small Group Oral Presentations

Filters