Question 1

Which ethical responsibility functions when group members promise to reveal their sources of information so others can evaluate them?
A) research
B) common good
C) reasoning
D) the social code
E) freedom of speech

Accepted Answer

Research ethics include the responsibility to disclose sources so that the information can be verified and evaluated by others, ensuring transparency and credibility in the findings.

Question 2

According to your textbook, the following four prerequisites should be in place whenever a group seeks to make an important decision or solve a significant problem:
A) skilled chairperson, conscientious members, clear structure, constructive conflict.
B) clear goal, quality content, structured procedures, and commitment to deliberation.
C) questions of fact, conjecture, value, and policy.
D) voting, seeking consensus, brainstorming, and authority rule.
E) quantity, quality, validity, and reliability of research.

Accepted Answer

The four prerequisites mentioned in option B - clear goal, quality content, structured procedures, and commitment to deliberation - are essential for a group to make an important decision or solve a significant problem. A skilled chairperson, conscientious members, clear structure, and constructive conflict are all important factors but are not mentioned in the context of prerequisites for decision-making or problem-solving. The options C, D, and E are also not directly related to the prerequisites for decision-making or problem-solving mentioned in the question.

Question 3

This symptom of groupthink is expressed when a group member says: "Bob wanted to come to this meeting, but I told him that it wasn't necessary."
A) morality
B) stereotyping outsiders
C) mindguarding
D) illusion of unanimity
E) invulnerability

Accepted Answer

The statement "I told him that it wasn't necessary" demonstrates mindguarding, which is when group members act to protect the group from contrary or critical information. The member is preventing Bob from exposing the group to any external ideas which may put the group's decisions into question or conflict with norms.

Question 4

According to Irving Janis, groupthink is the deterioration of group effectiveness caused by
A) group disagreement and conflict.
B) lack of appropriate group roles.
C) failure to get beyond the storming stage of group development.
D) in-group pressure to conform.
E) lack of a structured procedure for problem solving.

Accepted Answer

Irving Janis defined groupthink as a phenomenon where group members prioritize consensus and cohesion over critical evaluation of information, leading to a deterioration of decision-making and effectiveness. This is often caused by in-group pressure to conform and avoid conflict, resulting in group members suppressing their own doubts or concerns about a decision.

Question 5

When decisions are made using __________, groups may be asked to gather information for and recommend decisions to another person or larger group.
A) majority rule
B) groupthink
C) dependent decision making
D) false consensus
E) authority rule

Accepted Answer

This describes the process of dependent decision making, in which decision-making authority is given to a designated individual or group, who then gather information and recommendations from other groups before making a final decision.

Question 6

As a group decision-making tool, voting works best when
A) a group is pressed for time.
B) the issue is not highly controversial.
C) a group is too large to use any other decision-making method.
D) there is no other way to break a deadlock.
E) any of the above occurs.

Accepted Answer

Voting is a versatile decision-making tool that can be effectively used in various situations, including when a group is pressed for time, when the issue at hand is not highly controversial, when the group size makes other methods impractical, or when there's a deadlock that needs to be broken.

Question 7

__________ occurs when group members reluctantly give in to group pressures or to an external authority in order to appear as though everyone agrees.
A) Majority rule
B) Two-thirds vote
C) Dependent decision making
D) False consensus
E) Authority rule

Accepted Answer

False consensus occurs when group members go along with the majority or external authority, even if they do not actually agree, in order to appear like they do and avoid conflict or disapproval.

Question 8

Which ethical responsibility functions when group members consider the interests of those affected by their decisions?
A) research
B) common good
C) reasoning
D) the social code
E) freedom of speech

Accepted Answer

The ethical responsibility that functions when group members consider the interests of those affected by their decisions is the common good. The common good emphasizes the importance of making decisions for the betterment of the community as a whole, rather than solely for individual gain or benefit. This responsibility acknowledges how group decisions can impact various stakeholders and strives to account for their needs and interests.

Question 9

Which of the following strategies should be used when seeking consensus?
A) Stubbornly argue only for your own position.
B) Change your mind in order to avoid conflict or reach a quick decision.
C) Welcome differences of opinion.
D) Agree to a decision or solution you don't support.
E) Use "easy" ways of reaching a solution such as flipping a coin, letting the majority rule, or trading one decision for another.

Accepted Answer

When seeking consensus, it is important to welcome differences of opinion and work towards finding a solution that everyone can agree on. Stubbornly arguing for your own position or agreeing to a decision you don't support will not lead to true consensus. Changing your mind just to avoid conflict or reaching a quick decision can lead to resentment and further conflict down the road. Using "easy" ways of reaching a solution may not necessarily result in the best outcome for everyone involved.

Question 10

Problem solving occurs when a group
A) reaches a conclusion or makes a decision.
B) passes judgment on an issue under consideration.
C) develops and agrees to a plan that reduces or eliminates the harmful effects of a problem.
D) chooses among alternatives.
E) analyzes the background, causes, and effects of an immediate problem.

Accepted Answer

Problem solving involves finding a solution to a problem. In order to solve the problem, a group needs to develop and agree to a plan of action that will reduce or eliminate the negative effects of the problem. This is why option C is the correct answer. The other options (A, B, D, and E) are all steps involved in the process of problem solving, but alone they do not necessarily result in solving the problem.

Question 11

Which symptom of groupthink is expressed when a group member confronts another by saying: "Why aren't you in favor of this? You're the only one who's against it. Give it up!"
A) rationalization
B) self-censorship
C) mindguarding
D) pressure on dissent
E) illusion of invulnerability

Accepted Answer

The statement "You're the only one who's against it. Give it up!” expresses pressure on dissent. The group member is attempting to pressure the dissenter into conforming to the majority opinion. This is a symptom of groupthink, which occurs when a group prioritizes consensus and harmony over critical thinking and dissent.

Question 12

Which decision-making style is illustrated in the following comment? "If all of you think it's a good idea, then I'll vote for it too."
A) rational decision maker
B) intuitive decision maker
C) dependent decision maker
D) avoidant decision maker
E) spontaneous decision maker

Accepted Answer

The comment suggests that the decision maker is dependent on the opinions of others and is willing to go along with the group consensus rather than making their own independent decision.

Question 13

A company's recycling task force is composed of 15 members. If the task force makes decisions based on a consensus, how many members must be in favor of the group decision?
A) 5
B) 7
C) 8
D) 10
E) 15

Accepted Answer

Consensus decision-making requires that all members of the group agree on the decision, so all 15 members must be in favor.

Question 14

Which prerequisite for group decision making and problem solving focuses on the process of critical thinking that enlists the values of democracy and puts them in a communication context?
A) a clear goal
B) quality content
C) structured procedures
D) commitment to deliberation
E) brainstorming

Accepted Answer

Commitment to deliberation refers to the process of critical thinking that involves the values of democracy and ensuring that all perspectives are heard and considered in group decision making and problem-solving. It emphasizes the importance of open communication and active participation in the decision-making process.

Question 15

"What causes acid rain?" is an example of a question of
A) fact.
B) conjecture.
C) value.
D) policy.
E) opinion.

Accepted Answer

This is a question of fact that can be answered through scientific research and data analysis, rather than being based on opinions, values, or policy considerations.

Question 16

This symptom of groupthink is expressed when a group member says: "Of course, we're right. We have a perfect safety record, have done this many times, and nothing's gone wrong."
A) morality
B) stereotyping outsiders
C) mindguarding
D) illusion of unanimity
E) invulnerability

Accepted Answer

The statement "Of course, we're right. We have a perfect safety record, have done this many times, and nothing's gone wrong" displays the symptom of the groupthink known as invulnerability. This symptom is characterized by an overestimation of the group's capabilities and a belief that the group is invincible, which can lead to a lack of caution and taking unnecessary risks.

Question 17

"Which candidate should we support as president of the student government association?" is an example of a question of
A) fact.
B) conjecture.
C) value.
D) policy.
E) opinion.

Accepted Answer

The question is asking for a decision on which candidate to support, which falls under the category of policy questions.

Question 18

If you want to minimize the chances of groupthink, you should pursue all of the following strategies except:
A) Ask each member to serve in the role of critical evaluator.
B) If possible, have more than one group work on the same problem independently.
C) Avoid asking questions and expressing disagreement.
D) Discuss the potential negative consequences of any decision or action.
E) Before finalizing the decision, give members a second chance to express doubts.

Accepted Answer

Avoiding questions and disagreement would only increase the chances of groupthink. All the other strategies listed would help minimize groupthink by promoting critical thinking, independent analysis, and constructive dissent.

Question 19

Problem solving is a complex _____________ in which groups make multiple decisions as they analyze a problem and develop a plan for solving the problem or reducing its harmful effects.
A) situation
B) system
C) problem
D) process
E) event

Accepted Answer

Problem solving involves a series of steps or processes that are followed systematically to identify and analyze a problem, generate possible solutions, evaluate the alternatives, and implement the best solution. Therefore, the best choice is D, process.

Question 20

The primary goal of a jury is to
A) reach a decision.
B) solve a problem.
C) determine the whole truth.
D) answer a question of conjecture.
E) answer a question of value.

Accepted Answer

The primary goal of a jury is to reach a decision on the case presented to them, whether it's a guilty or not guilty verdict, a decision on damages or compensation, or other relevant decisions. While determining the truth is important, it is not the primary goal of a jury, as they are not tasked with investigating the case but rather with considering the evidence presented to them in court. Solving a problem, answering a question of conjecture, or answering a question of value are not the primary goals of a jury.

Quiz 11: Group Decision Making and Problem Solving

Which ethical responsibility functions when group members promise to reveal their sources of information so others can evaluate them?

According to your textbook, the following four prerequisites should be in place whenever a group seeks to make an important decision or solve a significant problem:

This symptom of groupthink is expressed when a group member says: "Bob wanted to come to this meeting, but I told him that it wasn't necessary."

According to Irving Janis, groupthink is the deterioration of group effectiveness caused by

When decisions are made using __________, groups may be asked to gather information for and recommend decisions to another person or larger group.

As a group decision-making tool, voting works best when

__________ occurs when group members reluctantly give in to group pressures or to an external authority in order to appear as though everyone agrees.

Which ethical responsibility functions when group members consider the interests of those affected by their decisions?

Which of the following strategies should be used when seeking consensus?

Problem solving occurs when a group

Which symptom of groupthink is expressed when a group member confronts another by saying: "Why aren't you in favor of this? You're the only one who's against it. Give it up!"

Which decision-making style is illustrated in the following comment? "If all of you think it's a good idea, then I'll vote for it too."

A company's recycling task force is composed of 15 members. If the task force makes decisions based on a consensus, how many members must be in favor of the group decision?

Which prerequisite for group decision making and problem solving focuses on the process of critical thinking that enlists the values of democracy and puts them in a communication context?

"What causes acid rain?" is an example of a question of

This symptom of groupthink is expressed when a group member says: "Of course, we're right. We have a perfect safety record, have done this many times, and nothing's gone wrong."

"Which candidate should we support as president of the student government association?" is an example of a question of

If you want to minimize the chances of groupthink, you should pursue all of the following strategies except:

Problem solving is a complex _____________ in which groups make multiple decisions as they analyze a problem and develop a plan for solving the problem or reducing its harmful effects.

The primary goal of a jury is to