Exam 11: Group Decision Making and Problem Solving

Which of the following problem-solving procedures is based on John Dewey's reflective thinking process?

Identify and briefly describe three of the five group research strategies in Chapter 11. Demonstrate your understanding by providing relevant examples for each of the strategies.

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

A(n) __________ is the outline of items to be discussed and the tasks to be accomplished at a meeting.

In addition to a summary of the group's discussion and decisions, the minutes of a meeting should also include the exact time the meeting was called to order and adjourned.

Under what circumstances is brainstorming most effective and least effective? Provide examples to support your explanation.

What is groupthink? Identify and explain four symptoms of groupthink. Use at least one example to demonstrate your understanding of each symptom.

Marshall Scott Poole claims that structured procedures are "the heart of group work [and] the most powerful tools we have to improve the conduct of meetings." Why are structured procedures so important?

The groupthink symptom of self-censorship would be evident if one member said to another: "Why are you holding us up on this issue?"

In term of ethical group decision making, respecting established group norms represents the social code responsibility.

Voting is always the best and fairest way to make group decisions.

Jose is chair of the Student Business Society. Once he adjourns the meetings, his job is complete.

Which prerequisite for group decision making and problem solving focuses on the process of critical thinking that enlists the values of democracy and puts them in a communication context?

The Decreasing Options Technique (DOT)

Think about some of the meetings you have attended or observed. They can be meetings at work, in your community, at school, in public settings, or in the media. Describe three characteristics of the most effective meetings and three characteristics of the least effective meetings. Using the guidelines for chairing a meeting, what are the three things you would do as a meeting chairperson to ensure that your meetings are both effective and efficient?

The chairperson of a meeting should interrupt a discussion if group members ramble or discuss irrelevant topics.

Problem solving occurs when a group

Brainstorming should not be used if group members are very self-conscious and highly sensitive to implied criticism.

Group communication scholar Randy Hirokawa claims that "the ability of a group to gather and retain a wide range of information is the single most important determinant of high-quality decision making." Group communication scholar Marshall Scott Poole claims that structured procedures are "the heart of group work [and] the most powerful tools we have to improve the conduct of meetings." Do these claims contradict one another? Why or why not?

"Do antibiotics cure the common cold?" is a question of fact.