Chapter 08 – Group Problem-Solving Procedures
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Chapter 08
Group Problem-Solving Procedures
Multiple Choice Questions
1. (p. 193) The disadvantage to having groups solve problems rather than an expert is that
A. groups usually consume more time while solving a problem.
B. participation may be uneven.
2. (p. 193) An advantage of group over individual problem solving is that
D. groups take less time.
E. groups are easier to work with.
3. (p. 194) A problem is defined as
A. what you already have, but want to make it better.
E. none of the answers is correct.
4. (p. 195) A company is experiencing high absenteeism among key personnel. This would be
which component of a problem?
A. an obstacle to be overcome
E. the root of a solution
5. (p. 201) Decision making refers to
A. the process of solving a problem.
E. concluding the process of problem solving.
Chapter 08 – Group Problem-Solving Procedures
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D. the roles that members must play in the problem-solving discussion
E. none of the answers is correct.
12. (p. 201–203) According to Gouran and Hirokawa, in effective decision making, group
members must be willing to do all of the following EXCEPT
D. evaluate all alternatives.
E. discuss criteria openly.
13. (p. 203–216) 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 solution; 5. deciding on a solution
A. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
B. 4, 1, 3, 2, 5
14. (p. 205) 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
A. operating area.
B. focus.
15. (p. 205) All of the following are helpful questions to ask as you analyze a problem EXCEPT
A. “Who is involved?”
B. “What events precipitated the problem?”
16. (p. 207) 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. brainstorming
B. RISK
17. (p. 209) Which of the following is clearly an absolute criterion?
Chapter 08 – Group Problem-Solving Procedures
D. How well will it sell?
E. The new design should be more attractive than the old one.
18. (p. 208–213) Critical thinking is emphasized the most during step _____ of the five steps of P-
MOPS.
A. 1
19. (p. 216) The _____ is used to help a group assess potential problems or risks with a potential
solution.
A. focus group technique
E. nominal group technique
Fill in the Blank Questions
20. (p. 194) A “problem” is the difference between what exists and what you expect or _____.
21. (p. 195) The three components of any problem are an undesirable situation, a goal, and
_____.
22. (p. 195) The area of freedom refers to the amount of _____ and the limitations given to a
group.
23. (p. 197) When the number of possible options is large, a problem is said to be high in the
characteristic of _____.
24. (p. 198) A group consists of members who know little about the problem they are assigned to
solve. The problem is low _____.
25. (p. 199) For a group’s discussion to be effective, the discussion question must be _____.
Chapter 08 – Group Problem-Solving Procedures
26. (p. 201) A discussion question should be phrased in such a way so as to avoid suggesting the
_____ in the question.
27. (p. 201–203) The _____ is a description of how communication affects group problem
solving.
28. (p. 204) During the early stage of P-MOPS, a group should concentrate on _____.
29. (p. 205) An assignment for a group is called a(n) _____ to the group.
30. (p. 208–209) The standards and guidelines used to evaluate ideas and solutions are called
_____.
31. (p. 211–213) _____ improve the quality and speed of group problem solving.
32. (p. 213–215) A _____ decision is one that all members agree is the best one they can make
that is acceptable to all.
33. (p. 216–217) Problem solving is not finished until group members have decided on a plan for
_____ the solution they have selected.
34. (p. 217) A procedure developed to help a group plan and keep track of who will do what and
by what deadline while implementing a solution is _____.
True/False Questions
35. (p. 203) 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.
36. (p. 215) Only the leader of a problem-solving group needs to understand details of the
problem and its solution.
37. (p. 201) Decision making is the same as problem solving.
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38. (p. 195) No problem exists if the people involved are satisfied with the way things are.
39. (p. 195) Most small problem-solving groups can define their own area of freedom.
40. (p. 196–197) Meeting often is an effective method of handling task difficulty.
41. (p. 199) Using either-or questions during a group meeting is a very effective way to reach a
solution.
42. (p. 208) Group members do not need to know the minimum requirements of a successful
solution for effective problem solving and decision making.
43. (p. 205) “How can we convince the administration to put in a new parking lot?” is an
effective problem question.
44. (p. 207) Focus groups allow members to freely explore thoughts and feelings about a topic.
45. (p. 207) The quality of the solution to a problem will not be better than the quality of the pool
of ideas a group considers.
46. (p. 211–213) GSS is an effective tool for groups with idea generation, information
organization, evaluation of options, and decision making.
47. (p. 215) Most groups experience predictable phases during the decision-making process.
48. (p. 215) A majority vote decision is when all members agree that their decision is the best
they can all support.
49. (p. 203–216) Groups should stick to the P-MOPs without straying at all.
Essay Questions
50. (p. 193) Give as many reasons as you can for having a group rather than an individual solve a
major problem faced by an organization.
Answers will vary.
Chapter 08 – Group Problem-Solving Procedures
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51. (p. 201) Explain how decision making and problem solving differ.
Answers will vary.
52. (p. 195) Name and explain the three major components of a problem.
Answers will vary.
53. (p. 201–203) Explain the functional theory of effective problem solving and decision making.
Discuss the three factors for effective problem solving.
Answers will vary.
54. (p. 203–216) List the major stages of the procedural model of problem solving in correct order.
Describe briefly what is done during each stage.
Answers will vary.
55. (p. 208–209) What are criteria? How do absolute and relative criteria differ?
Answers will vary.
56. (p. 210–213) What are the ways in which technology has helped groups tackle problems?
Answers will vary.
57. (p. 215) What is a “decision by consensus”? How does such a decision differ from one made
by a majority vote?
Answers will vary.
58. (p. 217) List the steps of the PERT procedure in order, and explain what is done in each
step.
Answers will vary.