Question 1

A mystery writers group wants to hold public book discussions, with members facing the audience and talking informally without prepared speeches. What format would work best?

Accepted Answer

A panel discussion involves a group of people discussing a topic in front of an audience, which aligns with the scenario of members talking informally without prepared speeches.

Question 2

Based on research findings about emerging leadership, which person can be expected to become  a new group leader?

Accepted Answer

Emerging leaders often exhibit high levels of verbal participation and active listening, which helps them to understand group dynamics and influence decisions effectively.

Question 3

A popular columnist is upbeat and enthusiastic, regularly giving reinforcement and approval to other members of the local press club. What group maintenance role is he fulfilling?

Accepted Answer

The columnist is fulfilling the harmonizer group maintenance role by providing positive reinforcement and approval to other members of the local press club, which helps to maintain good relationships and foster a positive group dynamic.

Question 4

A special project group was appointed by the CEO and has been meeting each week, but it is now experiencing the repercussions of social loafing. This means that some members

Accepted Answer

Social loafing refers to the tendency of some members to exert little effort and barely participate in group activities. This is likely the reason why the special project group is experiencing difficulties. Option A, B, and C may also be problematic behaviors, but they are not specific to social loafing.

Question 5

Each of these volunteer groups meets weekly to discuss problems in the soup kitchen or homeless shelter where members work. Which group is experiencing groupthink?

Accepted Answer

The group that ignores conflicting facts and opinions is experiencing groupthink, which is characterized by a desire for harmony and conformity that overrides critical thinking and realistic appraisal of alternatives.

Question 6

The school board members have agreed on a solution to the overcrowding problem, though it's not unanimous - it's just something they can all live with for now. Which method did they use to decide?

Accepted Answer

The fact that the decision was not unanimous suggests that the board members were required to compromise and come to a decision that they all could agree on, which is a characteristic of consensus decision-making. Symposia typically involve experts presenting on a topic, while majority rule involves a vote where the majority wins. Authority involves a designated person making a decision without input from others.

Question 7

The members now decide which standards they will use for weighing solutions, knowing these must be realistic or no solution will ever seem acceptable. Which step of the problem-solving sequence are they in?

Accepted Answer

They are establishing criteria for evaluating solutions, as they are deciding on standards to use for weighing solutions.

Question 8

A bridge collapsed last week causing many fatalities, and now the police, first responders, and civil engineers call a press conference to provide results of their investigation. This is a time when

Accepted Answer

The answer of A bridge collapsed last week causing many...

Question 9

Among the elite scientists exploring the reasons for unusual weather patterns and strange meteorological phenomena, one physicist mentions radio waves from outer space. Which group task role is he performing?

Accepted Answer

The physicist is suggesting a new idea or direction for the group to consider, which is a task role performed by an initiator-contributor.

Question 10

A professor is asked to direct the academic panel on immigration issues. When moderating the panel, he should

Accepted Answer

The answer of A professor is asked to direct the...

Question 11

A group meets monthly to discuss the city's cultural arts. Though others may be used, the most popular discussion pattern seen in these types of _____ is topical organization.

Accepted Answer

Educational or learning groups, like the one described in the question, typically use a topical organization discussion pattern. This means that the group focuses on a specific topic each time they meet and discusses it in depth. Brainstorming groups, intervention groups, and assertiveness training groups may use different discussion patterns depending on their goals and objectives.

Question 12

The medical team leader listens willingly, avoids interrupting, and reacts supportively, while also offering constructive criticism. Which leadership skill is she demonstrating?

Accepted Answer

The medical team leader is demonstrating the skill of empowering group members by listening willingly, avoiding interrupting, and reacting supportively while also offering constructive criticism. This encourages members to share their ideas and feel confident in their abilities.

Question 13

LinkedIn and Facebook oppose self-promoting and commercializing, while other social media groups tolerate or even encourage these postings. This shows how online groups vary greatly in terms of their

Accepted Answer

The varying attitudes towards self-promoting and commercializing suggest that online groups have different expected behaviors and standards, or group norms.

Question 14

The marketing group needs to put its decision into operation, but first has to prove to others in the company that it is realistic and workable. It should present the solution

Accepted Answer

Presenting the solution in a slow and nonthreatening manner will allow others in the company to ask questions, provide feedback, and ultimately feel more comfortable with the proposed solution. This approach allows for a collaborative discussion and a better chance of gaining support for the marketing group's decision.

Question 15

One environmentalist on the oil spill team shows great competence, strong moral character, clear vision, dynamic energy, and a charismatic personality, so her peers naturally look up to her. She would make a good leader based on the

Accepted Answer

The answer of One environmentalist on the oil spill team...

Question 16

You are asked handle the written and oral reports from your group's findings. It is best to

Accepted Answer

Constructing the written report as you would construct a term paper would provide a clear and structured format for presenting the findings. This approach would help ensure that all necessary information is included and presented in a logical manner. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that written and oral reports serve different purposes and should be approached differently.

Question 17

Which classification of group roles is generally thought of as counterproductive or even dysfunctional?

Accepted Answer

Individual roles are generally thought of as counterproductive or even dysfunctional because they serve the individual's interests rather than the group's interests. This can lead to competition, conflict, and lack of cohesion within the group.

Question 18

The legal team is putting together an agenda, or "to do" list, to clearly identify what needs to be done. This is a perfect example of what happens in the _____ stage of small group interactions.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The legal team is putting together an...

Question 19

Twelve people have one characteristic in common - they are all gay parents - which allows them to assist each other in coping with specific problems they confront in society. They have organized a(n)

Accepted Answer

The group is organized around a common identity and designed to raise awareness about issues and challenges that its members face in society. This aligns with the definition of a consciousness-raising group. Encounter groups typically focus on personal growth and exploration, assertiveness training groups focus on building communication and assertiveness skills, and intervention groups are typically convened to address a specific problem or crisis.

Question 20

"It will take too long." "It's too complicated." "It won't work." "It's a crazy idea." These comments heard in a brainstorming group are examples of

Accepted Answer

These comments are all examples of ways to dismiss or shut down ideas. They discourage creativity and discourage further exploration of potential solutions. Therefore, these comments are best described as "idea killers."

Quiz 12: Speaking in Groups