Deck 8: Group Problem-Solving Procedures

Question 1

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

Answer 1

False

Question 2

Groups should stick to the P-MOPs without straying at all.

Answer 2

False

Question 3

List the major stages of the procedural model of problem solving in correct order. Describe briefly what is done during each stage.

Answer 3

No Answer

Question 4

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

Question 5

Problem solving is not finished until group members have decided on a plan for _____ the solution they have selected.

Question 6

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

Question 7

An assignment for a group is called a _____ to the group.

Question 8

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

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 9

GSS is an effective tool for groups with idea generation, information organization, evaluation of options, and decision making.

Question 10

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)

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

Question 11

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

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.

Question 12

Which is the correct order for the stages in P-MOPS?
1) generating and explaining possible solutions;
2) evaluating possible solutions;
3) describing and analyzing a problem;
4) implementing the chosen solution;
5) choosing the best solution

A) 3, 5, 4, 1, 2
B) 3, 1, 2, 5, 4
C) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
D) 1, 5, 3, 4, 2
E) 4, 1, 3, 2, 5

Question 13

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?

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

Question 14

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

Question 15

When a group consists of members who know little about the problem they are assigned to solve, the problem is low _____.

Question 16

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) 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 17

A lot of deliberation is an effective approach to handling task difficulty.

Question 18

Group members do not need to know the minimum requirements of a successful solution for effective problem solving and decision making.

Question 19

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

Question 20

A team's intentional discussion of goals and processes, which encourages information sharing is called team reflexivity.

Question 21

Define criteria? What are the requirements for absolute criteria?

Question 22

What are the ways in which technology has helped groups tackle problems?

Question 23

Functional Theory is called "functional" because it focuses attention on the communicative functions that must be performed by a group.

Question 24

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

Question 25

Critical thinking is emphasized the most during step _____ of the five steps of P-MOPS.

A) 1
B) 3
C) 5
D) 4
E) 2

Question 26

The _____ is used to help a group assess potential problems or risks with a potential solution.

A) problem census
B) buzz group technique
C) focus group technique
D) RISK technique
E) nominal group technique

Question 27

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

Question 28

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

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

Question 29

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

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 30

The area of freedom refers to the amount of _____ and the limitations given to a group.

Question 31

Gouran and Hirokawa's functional theory is used to explore which of the following?

A) the roles that members must play in the problem-solving discussion
B) none of these answer is correct
C) the idea that group members must use different leadership styles to achieve their tasks
D) the communicative functions that must be performed if a group is to do a good job
E) the functions that the designated leader must perform

Question 32

Juanes's group has experienced a similar problem to the one it is currently solving. This problem probably has which of the following characteristics?

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

Question 33

During the early stage of P-MOPS, a group should concentrate on _____.

Question 34

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

Question 35

A discussion question should be phrased in such a way so as to avoid suggesting the _____ in the question.

Question 36

A procedure developed to help group members manage and keep track of a complex task is _________.

Question 37

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

Question 38

No problem exists if the people involved are satisfied with the way things are.

Question 39

Decision making refers to

A) the process of solving a problem.
B) choosing from available options.
C) creating a way around obstacles to a desirable situation.
D) the procedure by which a choice is made.
E) concluding the process of problem solving.

Question 40

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

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 41

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

Question 42

An advantage of group over individual problem solving is that

A) group solutions usually cost less money.
B) groups take less time.
C) groups usually develop a solution faster than one member is able to.
D) groups are easier to work with.
E) group-developed solutions are often accepted more readily.

Question 43

Which of the following is important in ensuring a group understands the fundamental elements of a problem?

A) having a designated leader
B) starting meetings on time
C) knowing all the members
D) the discussion question must be clear, must not suggest the solution in the question, and each member should be able to state what it is
E) having an agenda

Question 44

Members of groups that follow a systematic procedure, such as an outline for problem solving, tend to be so frustrated that they do poor work.

Question 45

All of the following are helpful questions to ask as you analyze a problem EXCEPT

A) "What is the solution?"
B) "How difficult is our problem?"
C) "What other information do we need?"
D) "Who is involved?"
E) "What events precipitated the problem?"

Question 46

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

Question 47

_____ improve the quality and speed of group problem solving.

Question 48

A problem is defined as

A) critical thinking.
B) none of these answer is correct.
C) creativity.
D) the difference between what exists presently and what you expect or want.
E) what you already have, but want to make it better.

Question 49

Focus groups allow members to freely explore thoughts and feelings about a topic.

Question 50

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

Question 51

You've just lost your job and rent is due. This would be which component of a problem?

A) an undesirable situation
B) factual information
C) an obstacle to be overcome
D) a criterion for judging solutions
E) the root of a solution