Question 1

Your boss stares out the window with her feet up for at least an hour every day. Most people think she is not working. People that criticize her may be falling prey to the conceptual block of bias against thinking.

Accepted Answer

The criticism of the boss for staring out the window may stem from a bias against thinking, which is a conceptual block that undervalues time spent in reflection or contemplation as part of the work process.

Question 2

A good problem definition includes differentiating factual information from speculative information.

Accepted Answer

A good problem definition should be based on factual information rather than speculation or assumptions. This helps to ensure that the problem is clearly understood and properly addressed.

Question 3

The stage of creative problem solving that is defined by mostly unconscious mental activity in which the mind combines unrelated thoughts in pursuit of a solution is the illumination stage.

Accepted Answer

The stage described is the incubation stage, where the problem is set aside but the mind continues to work on it subconsciously. The illumination stage is when the creative idea or solution suddenly comes to consciousness.

Question 4

"Incubation," according to the DeGraff model cited in the text, is the pursuit of rapid goal achievement and achieving results faster than others.

Accepted Answer

According to the DeGraff model cited in the text, "Incubation" is defined as a period of reflection and time for ideas to mature, not as the pursuit of rapid goal achievement or achieving results faster than others.

Question 5

When evaluating alternatives, one should be concerned solely about meeting organizational goals.

Accepted Answer

While meeting organizational goals is important, evaluating alternatives should also consider factors such as resource availability, ethical implications, potential risks, and impacts on stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive and balanced decision-making process.

Question 6

One major difference between effective, creative problem solvers and other people is that creative problem solvers are less constrained in both defining the problem and developing solutions.

Accepted Answer

Creative problem solvers are able to think outside the box and consider a variety of possibilities when defining and solving problems, while others may be more limited in their perspective and approach.

Question 7

According to the authors of the text, one reason why most people have difficulty solving problems creatively is because they think of creativity simply as generating new ideas.

Accepted Answer

The text states that "People tend to think of creativity as simply generating new ideas, but this is only one aspect." Therefore, it is true that this limited view of creativity can hinder problem-solving abilities.

Question 8

When defining the problem, top priority should be placed on identifying all the underlying symptoms of the problem.

Accepted Answer

When defining the problem, the priority should be on identifying the root cause of the problem, not just the symptoms. Understanding the underlying cause is essential for developing effective solutions.

Question 9

The analytical problem-solving model works best when the problem faced is complex and ambiguous.

Accepted Answer

The analytical problem-solving model is more effective for well-defined problems with clear parameters, rather than complex and ambiguous ones.

Question 10

Examples of the conceptual block of constancy include lateral thinking and only one thinking language.

Accepted Answer

Constancy in conceptual blocks refers to the inability to consider change or think outside the current frame of reference. Lateral thinking, however, is a method specifically designed to break free from traditional patterns and encourage innovative thinking, thus it is not an example of constancy. Similarly, being limited to only one thinking language restricts creativity and problem-solving, which is an example of constancy, not a counterexample.

Question 11

Finding commonalities among two things is a good way to overcome a conceptual block in problem solving.

Accepted Answer

Finding commonalities between two things can help bridge a gap in understanding and allow for new connections to be made, which may lead to finding a solution to a problem.

Question 12

A common problem in managerial decision making is that alternative solutions to problems are evaluated as they are proposed.

Accepted Answer

Evaluating alternative solutions as they are proposed can lead to premature judgment without fully considering all options and their potential outcomes. It is important for managers to gather and consider multiple alternatives before making a decision.

Question 13

Conceptual blocks are mental obstacles that constrain the way problems are defined and that limit the number of alternative solutions thought to be relevant.

Accepted Answer

Conceptual blocks, as the name suggests, hinder the thought process and limit the number of solutions that are perceived as relevant. Therefore, the given statement is true.

Question 14

Your team at work has been specifying solutions that are consistent with the goals of the organization and has been building on each other's ideas. This means your team is effectively generating alternatives.

Accepted Answer

Building on each other's ideas and generating alternatives that are consistent with the organization's goals is a sign of effective teamwork.

Question 15

The analytical problem-solving model would be the most appropriate approach in determining why employee morale has declined in an organization.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The analytical problem-solving model would be the...

Question 16

Breakthroughs, out-of-the-box thinking, and radical thinking would be examples of a type of creative problem solving that can be called "Imagination."

Accepted Answer

Breakthroughs, out-of-the-box thinking, and radical thinking all require an imaginative approach to problem solving. Therefore, they are all examples of "Imagination" as a type of creative problem solving.

Question 17

Involving others in implementing the solution to a problem will increase support of and decrease resistance to the solution.

Accepted Answer

When others are involved in implementing a solution, they feel a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the solution. This, in turn, leads to increased support and decreased resistance to the solution. Additionally, involving others can bring diverse perspectives and ideas to the table, leading to a more effective and comprehensive solution.

Question 18

Implementation of a solution to a problem should include opportunities for feedback.

Accepted Answer

Obtaining feedback is important in determining if the solution effectively addresses the problem, and in identifying any areas that need improvement.

Question 19

Making inappropriate assumptions that inhibit problem solutions is an example of the conceptual block of compression.

Accepted Answer

The conceptual block of compression occurs when we make assumptions that limit the scope of the problem and prevent us from considering alternative solutions. These assumptions can be inappropriate and hinder problem-solving.

Question 20

Susan states, "Well, I think this solution will work for now." Susan violated an important guideline for effectively evaluating alternative solutions to problems.

Accepted Answer

Susan's statement suggests that she may not have thoroughly evaluated all possible solutions and may have settled for a temporary solution instead of one that is most effective in the long run, violating the guideline for effectively evaluating alternative solutions to problems.

Quiz 3: Solving Problems Analytically and Creatively