Question 1

Which of the following is true about brainstorming?
A) It is a technique of implementing the one best solution.
B) It is a technique that is restricted to independent thinking.
C) It is a process for generating ideas.
D) It is used only when group members cannot agree on a solution.

Accepted Answer

Brainstorming is a process for generating a large number of ideas, typically in a group setting. It encourages the generation of fresh, innovative ideas without criticism or judgment, and it is a widely used approach to creative problem-solving. It is not about implementing the one best solution, restricting independent thinking, or only used when group members cannot agree on a solution.

Question 2

The ____ variation of brainstorming technique is used to equalize the amount of member participation by having members share one idea at a time in a structured clockwise process.
A) nominal group
B) round robin
C) post-it note
D) idea-distribution

Accepted Answer

In round robin, every member participates in equal measure by sharing one idea at a time in a structured clockwise process. This ensures fairness and equal opportunity for all members to contribute their ideas. Nominal group technique involves voting on the best ideas, post-it note involves writing down ideas on sticky notes, and idea-distribution technique involves randomly distributing responsibilities for generating ideas. None of these techniques equalize member participation as effectively as round robin.

Question 3

Which of the following would be included in the "act" step of the PDCA cycle?
A) Identifying potential solutions for problems
B) Ensuring the problem is solved
C) Developing an action plan
D) Defining the problem

Accepted Answer

The "act" step involves implementing the chosen solution and ensuring that it effectively solves the problem. Identifying potential solutions and developing an action plan occur in the "plan" phase, while defining the problem is part of the "check" phase.

Question 4

_____ approach to creative problem solving requires starting with a problem and working to move toward a solution.
A) Divergent thinking
B) Cognitive thinking
C) Differentiated thinking
D) Convergent thinking

Accepted Answer

The convergent thinking approach involves starting with a problem and then narrowing down potential solutions to find the most practical and feasible option. This is often used in more structured and analytical problem solving situations.

Question 5

Which of the following is one of the five principles of collaboration devised by David Straus to deal with the problems of collaborative decision making?
A) Harnessing the power of individual memory
B) Designing a process map
C) Involving relevant and non relevant stakeholders
D) Designating an in-house process facilitator

Accepted Answer

David Straus, a pioneer in the field of collaboration, emphasized the importance of designing a process map as one of the principles for effective collaborative decision-making. This involves outlining the steps and stages in the collaboration process to ensure clarity and structure, facilitating smoother decision-making.

Question 6

Problem solving is a cyclical process comprising of:
A) assessing and empowering organizational employees.
B) sharpening one's communication skills and relying on one's intuition.
C) checking to see if the changes result in immediate improvements.
D) defining and identifying potential solutions.

Accepted Answer

Problem solving starts with defining and identifying potential solutions. This involves identifying the problem, gathering information, analyzing the situation, and identifying potential solutions. The process then continues with evaluating and selecting the best solution, implementing the solution, and monitoring and evaluating the outcomes. The other options (A, B, and C) are not necessarily part of the problem-solving process, although they may be important skills or steps in some circumstances.

Question 7

After every member of the team wrote down brainstormed ideas regarding their task,they proceeded to organize them into categories,discussed the grouping to get agreement and placed a title on each category.This is known as:
A) multivoting.
B) prioritization matrix.
C) affinitizing.
D) assumption smashing.

Accepted Answer

The process described is known as affinitizing, which involves grouping ideas into categories, discussing and agreeing on the grouping, and labeling each category. Multivoting involves prioritizing ideas by ranking or voting, while a prioritization matrix involves ranking ideas based on specific criteria. Assumption smashing involves challenging assumptions and beliefs to generate new ideas.

Question 8

_____ decision making involves identifying the priorities of both parties involved and determining the option(s)available that meet both sets of needs.
A) Collaborative
B) Empowered
C) Independent
D) Zero based

Accepted Answer

Collaborative decision making involves working together to find a solution that satisfies the needs and priorities of both parties. This approach promotes communication, compromise, and a mutual understanding of the situation. It is often the most effective and sustainable way to make decisions in situations where both parties have vested interests.

Question 9

Which of the following is required for successful collaborative decision making?
A) Being rigid when looking at the situation.
B) Prioritizing self-interest or emotional attachments.
C) Sharpening communication skills.
D) Relying solely on a logical approach to decision making.

Accepted Answer

Sharpening communication skills is essential for successful collaborative decision making as it ensures that all participants are able to effectively express their ideas and concerns, and work towards a mutually beneficial solution. Being rigid, prioritizing self-interest or emotional attachments, and relying solely on a logical approach may hinder collaborative decision making.

Question 10

Who among the following will be called a "right-brained" decision maker?
A) An analytical decision maker
B) An organized decision maker
C) An intuitive decision maker
D) A decision maker,deliberate in making decisions

Accepted Answer

An intuitive decision maker is often associated with being right-brained as they tend to rely more on creative and holistic thinking rather than logical analysis. Right-brained individuals are often said to be more imaginative and prone to synthesizing information in non-linear ways, which fits with the characteristics of an intuitive decision maker.

Question 11

Michael is planning on using brainstorming in his next team meeting to generate new ideas for expanding a product line.In using brainstorming effectively,Michael should:
A) articulate the theme.
B) allow for unlimited time.
C) keep the identity of all idea contributors confidential.
D) remember that quality is more important than quantity.

Accepted Answer

Brainstorming is most effective when there's a clear theme or problem statement that guides the ideation process. This helps participants focus their thoughts and creativity towards a specific goal or challenge, making the session more productive. Options B, C, and D are not recommended practices for effective brainstorming. Unlimited time can lead to diminishing returns, confidentiality can hinder open collaboration, and emphasizing quantity over quality initially is important to generate a wide range of ideas, which can later be refined.

Question 12

In which of the following stages of creative problem solving does gathering information,defining the problem,generating alternatives,and examining all available information takes place?
A) Preparation
B) Verification
C) Incubation
D) Illumination

Accepted Answer

The preparation stage involves gathering information, defining the problem, generating alternatives, and examining all available information. Verification involves evaluating and testing potential solutions. Incubation involves setting the problem aside and letting the subconscious mind work on it. Illumination involves the moment of insight or inspiration when a solution becomes apparent.

Question 13

The engineering team of Beta Co. ,is in the process of developing an action map based on selected alternatives.The team is working on:
A) the "plan" step of the PDCA cycle.
B) the "do" step of the PDCA cycle.
C) the "check" step of the PDCA cycle.
D) the "act" step of the PDCA cycle.

Accepted Answer

The action map is being developed based on selected alternatives, which means that the team is still in the planning phase of the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle. In this phase, the team identifies the problem, collects data, generates alternative solutions, and selects the best solution to implement. The "do" step involves implementing the chosen solution, the "check" step involves monitoring and measuring the results, and the "act" step involves making adjustments and continuing the cycle.

Question 14

_____ technique of problem solving equalizes hierarchical or status differences among members of a group,enabling individuals to speak out without concern for such differences or fears of being ridiculed.
A) Affinitizing
B) Multivoting
C) Prioritization matrix
D) Nominal group

Accepted Answer

The Nominal Group technique of problem solving is designed to level the playing field among group members by providing equal opportunities for input and participation. The technique removes the potential for status or hierarchy to dominate the conversation, allowing each member to have a voice and be heard. The other options listed - Affinitizing, Multivoting, and Prioritization matrix - are all useful problem-solving techniques but do not specifically address the issue of hierarchy and status differences in a group setting.

Question 15

Which stage of creative problem solving is sometimes called the "Aha! stage"?
A) Verification
B) Preparation
C) Illumination
D) Incubation

Accepted Answer

The Illumination stage of creative problem solving is sometimes referred to as the "Aha! stage," as this is when the solution suddenly becomes clear and a breakthrough is made.

Question 16

Each of the following is true of the "Post-It Note" brainstorming method,EXCEPT that:
A) ideas are written on a flip chart.
B) it can be used in the nominal group technique.
C) there must be one idea per note.
D) scribbling ideas may take a bit longer than in the traditional methods.

Accepted Answer

In the "Post-It Note" brainstorming method, ideas are typically written on individual Post-It Notes rather than a flip chart. This allows for easy organization and re-organization of ideas during the brainstorming process.

Question 17

_____ is a cyclical process composed of four steps referred to as PDCA.
A) Decision making
B) Facilitating
C) Empowering
D) Problem solving

Accepted Answer

PDCA stands for Plan-Do-Check-Act and is a problem-solving approach used in many industries to improve processes and systems. It is a cyclical process because once the "Act" stage is completed, the team goes back to the "Plan" stage to identify new problems or areas for improvement. The four steps of PDCA are:
- P: Plan the problem-solving process and identify the problem to be addressed.
- D: Do or implement the chosen solution.
- C: Check or study the results of the implemented solution.
- A: Act to standardize or revise the solution based on the results of the check step.

Question 18

Ken's project team was in the _____ stage of creative problem solving where they were mentally allowing unrelated thoughts to combine in search of a solution.
A) preparation
B) incubation
C) illumination
D) verification

Accepted Answer

The incubation stage involves allowing the mind to unconsciously work on the problem, often by combining unrelated thoughts or taking a break from the problem to gain a fresh perspective. The preparation stage involves gathering information and resources, the illumination stage involves the "aha!" moment of discovering a solution, and the verification stage involves testing and refining the solution.

Question 19

This creative process of generating new ways to view a problem to seek out novel alternatives in problem solving is considered as _____ thinking.
A) convergent
B) divergent
C) cognitive
D) differentiated

Accepted Answer

Divergent thinking is the process of exploring multiple possible solutions in a non-linear manner, generating a range of ideas to solve a problem. In contrast, convergent thinking involves focusing on a single solution to a problem, based on logical and analytical approaches. Cognitive thinking refers to the mental processes involved in storing, processing, and retrieving information, while differentiated thinking refers to the ability to recognize and appreciate differences in individuals and groups.

Question 20

The process of building consensus through _____ begins with a brainstormed list of topics or a pared down list of affinitized categories.
A) affinitizing
B) multivoting
C) prioritization matrix
D) nominal group technique

Accepted Answer

Multivoting is a technique used to build consensus by starting with a broad list of ideas, topics, or categories and then narrowing down the list through a structured voting process. This helps groups prioritize items effectively.

Quiz 14: Making Decisions and Solving Problems Creatively

Which of the following is true about brainstorming?

The ____ variation of brainstorming technique is used to equalize the amount of member participation by having members share one idea at a time in a structured clockwise process.

Which of the following would be included in the "act" step of the PDCA cycle?

_____ approach to creative problem solving requires starting with a problem and working to move toward a solution.

Which of the following is one of the five principles of collaboration devised by David Straus to deal with the problems of collaborative decision making?

Problem solving is a cyclical process comprising of:

After every member of the team wrote down brainstormed ideas regarding their task,they proceeded to organize them into categories,discussed the grouping to get agreement and placed a title on each category.This is known as:

_____ decision making involves identifying the priorities of both parties involved and determining the option(s) available that meet both sets of needs.

Which of the following is required for successful collaborative decision making?

Who among the following will be called a "right-brained" decision maker?

Michael is planning on using brainstorming in his next team meeting to generate new ideas for expanding a product line.In using brainstorming effectively,Michael should:

In which of the following stages of creative problem solving does gathering information,defining the problem,generating alternatives,and examining all available information takes place?

The engineering team of Beta Co. ,is in the process of developing an action map based on selected alternatives.The team is working on:

_____ technique of problem solving equalizes hierarchical or status differences among members of a group,enabling individuals to speak out without concern for such differences or fears of being ridiculed.

Which stage of creative problem solving is sometimes called the "Aha! stage"?

Each of the following is true of the "Post-It Note" brainstorming method,EXCEPT that:

_____ is a cyclical process composed of four steps referred to as PDCA.

Ken's project team was in the _____ stage of creative problem solving where they were mentally allowing unrelated thoughts to combine in search of a solution.

This creative process of generating new ways to view a problem to seek out novel alternatives in problem solving is considered as _____ thinking.

The process of building consensus through _____ begins with a brainstormed list of topics or a pared down list of affinitized categories.