Chapter 5: Interpersonal Problem Solving
Chapter Assessment
1. Which of the following is not an example of interpersonal problem solving?
A. team meetings to determine a student’s placement
B. planning sessions with teachers regarding how to adapt instruction for a student
C. deciding to move an easily distracted student closer to the teacher
D. meeting with parents regarding how to improve their child’s behavior
2. A situation in which a goal to a problem situation is relatively clear, some guidelines
exist to address the goal, but the specific means to reach it are varied is characteristic of
which of the following types of problems?
A. well-defined problem
B. partially defined problem
C. loosely defined problem
D. ill-defined problem
3. Which of the following is recommended to facilitate problem identification?
A. phrasing problems as questions
B. phrasing problems as statements
C. narrowing the problem statement
D. using general, broad language to describe the problem
4. The following are all techniques for generating potential solutions to a problem except
A. brainstorming.
B. brainwriting.
C. ordinal group technique.
D. nominal group technique.
5. Which of the following best describes the purpose of generating potential solutions to a
problem?
A. generate a narrowly focused pool of solutions by a small range of participants
B. generate a narrowly focused pool of solutions by a wide range of participants
C. create the maximum number of potential solutions by the smallest range of
participants
D. create the maximum number of potential solutions by the widest range of
participants
6. All of the following are questions to ask when encountering problems to resolve except
A. Are the persons who have responsibility and resources for addressing the problem
committed to resolving it?
B. What might happen if nothing was done to resolve the problem?
C. Are adequate time and resources available to resolve the problem?
D. What is the reason the solution was not effective?
7. Assessing factors related to the likelihood of problem solving process success is done
during which step of the problem solving process?
A. Identify the problem
B. Analyze the problem solving context
C. Evaluate potential solutions
D. Generate solutions
8. Which of the following is a step to take when problem solving is not the best approach?
A. Reconceptualize the problem
B. Generate solutions
C. Identify the problem
D. Evaluate outcomes
9. All of the following are steps in identifying the problem except
A. Confirm problem with multiple sources of information
B. Use brainwriting to identify the problem
C. Describe the problem precisely
D. Monitor the problem solving context
10. In which solution generating strategy do the participants in the problem solving process call
out solutions as they think of them?
A. Brainwriting
B. Brain storming
C. Nominal group technique
D. Homeostasis
11. True or False In proactive problem solving, you are faced with responding to a crisis or
dilemma that requires attention and action in a relatively brief time frame.
12. True or False RtI is a type of problem solving that is called technical.
13. True or False All participants should have a voice in both problem identification and the
identification and selection of solutions to the problem.
14. True or False Brainstorming is not productive for small problem solving groups and is
best used when there are many participants to give input.
15. True or False Brainwriting is a productive option for topics that may be sensitive or
emotionally charged.
16. True or False Nominal group technique is a strategy to generate a potential solution
which combines aspects of brainstorming and brainwriting.
17. True or False In proactive problem solving one is faced with responding to a crisis
within a brief time frame.
18. True or False Delineating the positives and negatives of each potential solution is a step
in the solution generating process..
19. True or False Considering the opportunities and constraints of potential solutions is
called Plus/Minus/Implications.
20. True or False Intrusiveness, feasibility, and individual preference are steps in
implementing the solution.
21. Explain the difference between reactive problem solving and proactive problem solving.
22. Describe three reasons why a group of professionals may decide not to solve a
problem.
23. Give three examples of points to consider as you work to incorporate information about
problem solving into practice.
24. Describe the technique of Plus/Minus/Implications (PMI) and when it should be used.
25. List and explain each step involved in interpersonal problem solving.
26. Discuss the process of evaluating the outcome of interpersonal problem solving.
Chapter 5: Interpersonal Problem Solving
Chapter Assessment
