Page 244 - Effective group discussion theory and practice by Adams, Katherine H. Brilhart, John K. Galanes, Gloria J

Problem Solving

and Decision

Making in

Groups:
©Nick White/Getty Images Theoretical

Perspectives

C H A P T E R 9

STUDY OBJECTIVES CENTRAL MESSAGE
As a result of studying Chapter 9, you should be able to: Groups that approach
1. Describe the relative advantages and disadvantages of group
and individual problem solving and decision making. problem solving and decision
2. Explain why a group should systematically structure its making with a plan tend to do
problem- solving process. a better job. Approaching
3. Describe the key steps to the Functional Perspective of group
problem solving and decision making. problem solving and decision
4. Explain what a group’s charge and area of freedom are and making systematically helps
why they are important.
5. Describe the four types of questions groups address during counteract several things that
problem solving: questions of fact, conjecture, policy, and value. can go wrong during the
6. Understand what criteria are and how they can guide group
problem solving. process.
7. Describe four typical ways groups make decisions: by the
leader, the leader in consultation, majority vote, and consensus.
8. Describe the phases many groups experience during decision
making and explain several factors that may affect these
phases.
9. Define critical thinking and describe how to evaluate
information and reasoning, including from the World Wide Web.
10. Describe five common fallacies that inhibit critical thinking.
11. Describe the group polarization effect and how it can affect
group decision making.
12. Define groupthink and explain how it can affect group
decision making.

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